Rachel V Thomas

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Pneumonic Plague: US, EU Monitor Suspected Case in Russia, Call for More Surveillance

The US and European Union are closely monitoring a suspected case of pneumonic plague in Russia’s Siberian region of Irkutsk after the death of a 28-year-old laboratory worker at an anti-plague research institute.

Nearly 200 people who may have had contact with the woman have reportedly been placed under medical observation. However, Russian authorities have not confirmed plague.

The woman, identified in reports as Darya Shipilova, worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute. Reports said she may have accidentally broken a test tube containing Yersinia pestis while collecting samples on September 25.

Russia’s consumer safety watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, said her diagnosis was “pneumonia of unknown etiology.” Expanded testing did not identify microorganisms associated with her professional activities.

Rospotrebnadzor said the sanitary and epidemiological situation in Irkutsk and Shelekhov remained stable and that special measures had been implemented following her death.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/russia-plague-scare-lab-worker-dies-of-unknown-infection-after-suspected-exposure-cdc-monitors-the-situation-article-156274150" data-type="tilCustomLink">Russia Plague Outbreak: Lab Worker Dies Of 'Unknown Infection' After Suspected Exposure</a>

The European Commission said it was “monitoring very closely” reports of the laboratory incident.

“We are aware of the reports concerning the laboratory incident in Russia, seemingly involving a pathogen causing plague,” European Commission spokesperson Eva Hrncirova said.

She said the Commission was in contact with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and stressed that timely and transparent reporting and access to reliable epidemiological and laboratory findings are essential.

The EU also said it has strengthened its preparedness for health emergencies since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The US State Department said it was monitoring the reports in coordination with the CDC and other agencies.

CDC officials said many details of the incident remain unconfirmed and urged Russian authorities to share accurate information promptly and transparently. They noted that plague is a known and treatable disease, with common antibiotics particularly effective when treatment begins early, and that cases occur naturally in several parts of the world.

US officials also urged Russia to “share accurate information quickly and openly.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the situation was “not cause for alarm” but was a reason for focus and continued monitoring.

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/russia-plague-scare-could-it-trigger-a-new-pandemic-experts-explain-article-156278648" data-type="tilCustomLink">Russia Plague Scare: Could It Trigger A New Pandemic? Experts Explain</a>

WHO said it was aware of the reports and was working to verify the details with Russian health authorities, including laboratory results, contact tracing and the health status of contacts.

Based on unofficial information available, WHO said the public-health risk to the general population appeared low, while noting that the assessment could change as more information becomes available, POLITICO reported.

<h2>Can Pneumonic Plague Spread Between People?</h2>

READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/american-covid-strain-drives-50-surge-in-uk-hospital-admissions-xfg-symptoms-to-know-article-156265025" data-type="tilCustomLink">‘American Covid’ Strain Drives 50% Surge in UK Hospital Admissions: XFG Symptoms to Know</a>

Pneumonic plague is caused by Yersinia pestis and can spread directly between people through respiratory droplets.

However, a suspected case does not mean an outbreak or pandemic is underway. Rapid diagnosis, isolation, contact tracing and prompt antibiotic treatment would be critical if plague is confirmed.

“Transparency, rapid diagnosis and effective contact tracing would be the most important factors in managing an outbreak,” said Dr Richard Hirschson, a specialist general physician at Sydney Adventist Hospital.

In a post on social media platform X, the expert said that a local laboratory exposure would not necessarily translate into global spread. He added isolation and preventive antibiotic treatment for exposed contacts could help limit transmission if pneumonic plague were confirmed.

Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis, a bacterium generally found in small mammals and their fleas.

Pneumonic plague occurs when the infection affects the lungs and is the form most capable of spreading directly between people.

It can become rapidly life-threatening without treatment, but plague is treatable with antibiotics when diagnosed and treated promptly.

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Pneumonic Plague

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The US and European Union are closely monitoring a suspected case of pneumonic plague in Russia’s Siberian region of Irkutsk after the death of a 28-year-old laboratory worker at an anti-plague research institute.Nearly 200 people who may have had contact with the woman have reportedly been placed under medical observation. However, Russian authorities have not confirmed plague.The woman, identified in reports as Darya Shipilova, worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute. Reports said she may have accidentally broken a test tube containing Yersinia pestis while collecting samples on September 25.Russia’s consumer safety watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, said her diagnosis was “pneumonia of unknown etiology.” Expanded testing did not identify microorganisms associated with her professional activities.Rospotrebnadzor said the sanitary and epidemiological situation in Irkutsk and Shelekhov remained stable and that special measures had been implemented following her death.Also read: Russia Plague Outbreak: Lab Worker Dies Of 'Unknown Infection' After Suspected ExposureWhat Did the EU Say?The European Commission said it was “monitoring very closely” reports of the laboratory incident.“We are aware of the reports concerning the laboratory incident in Russia, seemingly involving a pathogen causing plague,” European Commission spokesperson Eva Hrncirova said.She said the Commission was in contact with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and stressed that timely and transparent reporting and access to reliable epidemiological and laboratory findings are essential.The EU also said it has strengthened its preparedness for health emergencies since the Covid-19 pandemic.What Did the US Say?The US State Department said it was monitoring the reports in coordination with the CDC and other agencies.CDC officials said many details of the incident remain unconfirmed and urged Russian authorities to share accurate information promptly and transparently. They noted that plague is a known and treatable disease, with common antibiotics particularly effective when treatment begins early, and that cases occur naturally in several parts of the world.US officials also urged Russia to “share accurate information quickly and openly.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the situation was “not cause for alarm” but was a reason for focus and continued monitoring.What Does WHO Say?Read More: Russia Plague Scare: Could It Trigger A New Pandemic? Experts ExplainWHO said it was aware of the reports and was working to verify the details with Russian health authorities, including laboratory results, contact tracing and the health status of contacts.Based on unofficial information available, WHO said the public-health risk to the general population appeared low, while noting that the assessment could change as more information becomes available, POLITICO reported.Can Pneumonic Plague Spread Between People?READ: ‘American Covid’ Strain Drives 50% Surge in UK Hospital Admissions: XFG Symptoms to KnowPneumonic plague is caused by Yersinia pestis and can spread directly between people through respiratory droplets.However, a suspected case does not mean an outbreak or pandemic is underway. Rapid diagnosis, isolation, contact tracing and prompt antibiotic treatment would be critical if plague is confirmed.“Transparency, rapid diagnosis and effective contact tracing would be the most important factors in managing an outbreak,” said Dr Richard Hirschson, a specialist general physician at Sydney Adventist Hospital.In a post on social media platform X, the expert said that a local laboratory exposure would not necessarily translate into global spread. He added isolation and preventive antibiotic treatment for exposed contacts could help limit transmission if pneumonic plague were confirmed.What Is Pneumonic Plague?Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis, a bacterium generally found in small mammals and their fleas.Pneumonic plague occurs when the infection affects the lungs and is the form most capable of spreading directly between people.It can become rapidly life-threatening without treatment, but plague is treatable with antibiotics when diagnosed and treated promptly.

pneumonic plague: us, eu monitor suspected case in russia, call for more surveillance

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Pneumonic Plague: US, EU Monitor Suspected Case in Russia, Call for More Surveillance

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Pneumonic Plague: US, EU Monitor Suspected Case in Russia, Call for More Surveillance

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