International Measures Increased Following Suspected Plague Case in Russia
While a suspected plague death in Russia's Irkutsk region causes global concern, the US, EU, and WHO requested information regarding developments.
The death of a person with suspected plague in Irkutsk, located in Russia's Siberia region, has caused global concern. The US, European Union, and World Health Organization increased measures in response to the developments and requested additional information from Russian authorities.
Suspended Death in Siberia
Daria Shipilova, a 28-year-old employee at a plague research center in Irkutsk in Russia's Siberia region, lost her life on Friday, October 2, due to a suspected infection.
Following this death, while claims spread that the rare infectious disease may have leaked from the laboratory, Russian authorities later denied the link between the death and the plague.
Steps by International Institutions
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that developments are being closely monitored and the circumstances of the case have not yet been confirmed.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that they are in contact with Russian health authorities and have requested additional information.
European Union and Diplomatic Contacts
The European Union decided to urgently convene the EU Health Security Committee, bringing together health ministry officials of member states regarding the issue.
US President Donald Trump stated that he will discuss the epidemic claims in Russia with President Vladimir Putin very soon and that they will release an official report.
Evaluations by Experts
Prof. Dr. Serap Şimşek Yavuz stated that the World Health Organization has not yet made an outbreak announcement and that pneumonic plague cannot spread as easily as COVID-19.
Dr. Demet Yalçın emphasized that pneumonic plague can be transmitted through the respiratory tract, but it does not easily pass to everyone like an ordinary flu, and close contact is important.