Russia: WHO calls for transparency after the death of a laboratory technician in Russia

After the death of a laboratory technician in Siberia, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) called on Russia to be transparent. "Timely, complete and transparent exchange of information within the framework of international health regulations is essential to clarify conflicting reports and enable an accurate assessment of potential public health risks," wrote Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on X.

According to Russian media, the laboratory worker at the plague control research center in Irkutsk died of pneumonic plague. The 28-year-old presumably contracted the disease from a broken test tube at her workplace.

The WHO had previously classified the plague risk in Irkutsk as moderate to low “based on the available information.” The risk is low for all of Russia and very low for the rest of Europe, said WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier in Geneva. According to Ghebreyesus, the WHO is in contact with the Russian authorities and has offered them support.

The USA also demands transparency

According to a report, 200 people who had contact with the laboratory technician are in quarantine. The health authority Rospotrebnadzor announced on Tuesday that “no such decision has currently been made.” The health situation in the Eastern Siberian region is “stable”.

The US government had also previously urged Russia to be transparent. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would soon speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the issue. US Secretary of State Marco said the US was following developments very closely.

Plague is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that occurs in various forms. Pneumonic plague is the most contagious. It can lead to lung failure and death if not treated in its early stages.