Suspected outbreak of pneumonic plague in Siberia, around 200 people under surveillance

Brussels and Washington are closely monitoring the situation in Siberia, where an outbreak of pneumonic plague is suspected following the death of a laboratory worker.

The European Commission said it is monitoring developments in Russia and is ready to coordinate a response with member states if circumstances require it.

The case became public following the death, on October 2, of an employee of the Irkutsk Research Institute for Plague. According to reports, she had broken a test tube containing the plague pathogen, while the cause of death was determined to be “pneumonia of unknown etiology.”

Following the incident, authorities in the region activated preventive measures. Approximately 200 people who had been in contact with the laboratory worker have been placed under strict medical monitoring.

So far, Russian authorities have not officially confirmed that this is an outbreak of plague; however, the reports have caused international concern.

“We are aware of reports about the laboratory incident in Russia, which appears to be linked to a pathogen that causes plague,” a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday.

The spokesperson added that public health remains a priority and that the Commission is in contact with experts from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

“We are following the situation very closely,” he said.

Pneumonic plague affects the lungs, is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and can progress rapidly. The infection is transmitted through respiratory droplets during close contact. Although it has a high mortality rate, it can be successfully treated with modern antibiotics.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, countries are better prepared to deal with similar emergencies, the spokesperson said, highlighting that antibiotic reserves are available.