Russian authorities have launched an investigation and introduced precautionary health measures after a laboratory worker at an anti-plague research institute in Siberia died following severe pneumonia of unknown cause.
The incident occurred at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute in Shelekhov, near the Siberian city of Irkutsk. CNN reported on Sunday that authorities were responding to a suspected dangerous infection following what was initially described as a possible laboratory accident.
However, Russian health authorities have since issued a clarification, saying they found no evidence of an accident involving pathogenic microorganisms at the institute.
Russia’s consumer health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, said the employee had been diagnosed with “pneumonia of unknown etiology”, meaning the cause of the illness had not been established.
“The sanitary and epidemiological situation in the Irkutsk region, the cities of Irkutsk and Shelekhov is stable,” Rospotrebnadzor said.
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The agency also said expanded testing of samples from the patient had not detected microorganisms associated with her professional activities. A commission examining biological safety at the institute reportedly found no emergency involving work with pathogenic microorganisms.
The laboratory worker, identified in reports as 28-year-old Darya Shipilova, died after developing severe pneumonia. Earlier reports had linked her illness to a possible exposure at the anti-plague institute.
Alexei Tsydenov, head of neighboring Buryatia, had earlier said the woman had possibly died from plague. He also said there was no plague outbreak in Buryatia.
The uncertainty surrounding the woman’s death has nevertheless prompted precautionary measures in the area.
Workers at an aluminium plant near the laboratory were instructed to wear masks. Plant director Artem Fominikh also urged people to remain calm amid what he described as rumours and conflicting reports.
“All identified close contacts are under medical supervision. At present, they show no signs of the disease, and their laboratory test results are negative,” Fominikh said.
Unofficial reports from the independent regional outlet Liudi Baikala said nearly 200 people had been placed under observation after coming into possible contact with the laboratory worker..
The incident generated particular concern because the institute specialises in dangerous infectious diseases, including plague. Pneumonic plague, one form of the disease caused by Yersinia pestis, can spread between people through respiratory particles and can become life-threatening if treatment is delayed.
However, there is currently no confirmed evidence that pneumonic plague caused the woman’s death or that a dangerous pathogen was released from the laboratory.
Russian authorities have continued to monitor people who may have been exposed while maintaining that the sanitary and epidemiological situation in Irkutsk and Shelekhov remains stable.
The conflicting reports have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the laboratory worker’s illness. While initial reports suggested a possible laboratory accident and dangerous infection, the latest official findings indicate that no accident involving pathogenic microorganisms was detected.
Authorities have therefore urged the public to remain calm as investigations and medical assessments continue.
