Russian anti-plague institute researcher dies of 'unknown' infection
A laboratory worker at an anti-plague research institute in Russia died after an "unknown" virus infected her in a laboratory accident.
According to Russian state media TASS, the employee worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East in Shelekhov, near the city of Irkutsk.
Rospotrebnadzor, Russia's consumer health watchdog, said special measures had been taken in connection with the case, noting that the researcher was diagnosed with "pneumonia of unknown etiology" or an unexplained cause.
Expanded testing of samples from the patient did not detect microorganisms associated with her professional activities, TASS reported. The agency also said the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the Irkutsk region, as well as in Irkutsk and Shelekhov, remained stable.
Alexei Tsydenov, head of the neighboring Republic of Buryatia, said the 28-year-old worker had "possibly died from plague," while also noting that there were no plague outbreaks in Buryatia, per CNN's report.
Gennady Onishchenko, a former head of Rospotrebnadzor, meanwhile said the infection was “most likely not the plague.” He told TASS that even if plague were confirmed, "there will be no spread of this disease."
Russian authorities have not identified what, if anything, was released from the laboratory.
Following the incident, identified close contacts of the worker were placed under medical supervision.
Artem Fominikh, director of a nearby aluminum plant, said the contacts showed no signs of illness and that their laboratory test results turned out negative.
“All identified close contacts are under medical supervision,” Fominikh added.
Investigation and monitoring efforts remain ongoing.
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