EU Health Security Committee meets over pneumonia case in Russia
European Union countries are meeting to assess a potential plague risk after a person died of undiagnosed pneumonia in Russia's Siberia region.
European Union countries are convening in the EU Health Security Committee to address a potential plague case following the death of an individual from suspected pneumonia of undetermined cause in Russia's Siberia region. Meanwhile, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control stated that there is currently no evidence of the disease spreading.
EU Committee convened
The EU Health Security Committee, bringing together health ministry officials from European Union member states, decided to meet during the day to discuss developments in Russia. The main agenda of the meeting consists of the concerning pneumonia and potential plague cases in Russia.
Statement from ECDC
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control announced that it is closely monitoring the situation in Russia. Based on available limited information, it was stated that there is no evidence of the disease spreading and the situation is being continuously tracked.
Treatment and transmission risks
While recalling that plague cases have not been seen in Europe for decades, it was emphasized that the disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Experts pointed out that transmission generally requires close and prolonged contact with an infected person showing symptoms.
Developments in Russia
Igor Kobzev, the Governor of Russia's Irkutsk Region, had announced that an extraordinary sanitary and anti-epidemic commission meeting was held after a person living in the region was suspected of having a particularly dangerous infection. On social media, it was claimed that an institute employee had died from pneumonic plague.
Official institution measures
The Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported that special measures were implemented after an employee of the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute was diagnosed with pneumonia of undetermined cause. The ECDC continues its work in communication with the World Health Organization's European office.