Precautions Taken Against Death of Plague Research Institute Employee in Irkutsk

The death of a laboratory worker in the Irkutsk region of Russia and the precautions taken on suspicion of plague caused concern.

According to Russian state news agency TASS, the incident occurred at the plague research institute.

It was stated that the person who lost her life was Darya Shipilova, an employee of the Irkutsk Plague Research Institute. The 28-year-old laboratory worker died in the hospital in Shelehov on the night of October 2. While it was claimed that the death was caused by plague, Russia's public health agency Rospotrebnadzor stated that Shipilova was diagnosed with pneumonia of unknown origin.

Rospotrebnadzor announced that the epidemiological situation in the region is stable.

CLAIM THAT THE TEST TUBE IS BROKEN

According to reports in local media, it was claimed that Shipilova accidentally broke a test tube containing the deadly plague agent (Yersinia pestis) while working in the laboratory. Two days after the accident, Shipilova's condition worsened and she was urgently hospitalized and, upon suspicion, was admitted to the Covid-19 center. The young woman later died.

The commission examining the biosafety rules at the institute announced that there was no finding that any accidents occurred while working with pathogenic microorganisms. The institution stated that this result was also approved by the appointed expert commission.

200 PEOPLE UNDER SUPERVISION, 5 HOSPITALS CLOSED

According to local broadcasters, approximately 200 people who may have come into contact with the laboratory worker were kept under surveillance at the hospital, and an additional 5 hospitals were closed due to quarantine.

Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev announced that an extraordinary anti-epidemic meeting was held due to suspicion of a dangerous infection. In the aluminum factory near the laboratory, employees were asked to wear masks as a precaution.

PLAGUE VIRUS AND ITS TREATMENT

According to the World Health Organization, plague is an infection caused by the bacterium "Yersinia pestis". The type that affects the lungs can be transmitted from person to person through particles emitted by the infected person through breathing.

The disease can get worse quickly if left untreated, but treatment is possible with early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment. Confirming plague requires laboratory tests for the disease-causing bacteria.