The death of a woman working at a plague research center in the Siberian region of Russia, the closure of 5 hospitals and the surveillance of approximately 200 people in the hospital brought the claims of a "plague epidemic" to the agenda.
Russian Human Health and Consumer Rights Protection Service (Rospotrebnadzor) announced that 28-year-old Darya Şipilova, who worked as a laboratory assistant at the Siberian and Far East Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute, was diagnosed with "pneumonia of unknown origin" and was treated in the hospital.
CLAIM: "THE EXPERIMENT TUBE BROKEN, THE PLAGUE VIRUS SPREAD AROUND"
Following the death of Darya Şipilova, who died on the night of October 2 in the hospital in Shelehov, it was claimed on social media and in some local media that the plague virus was spread around when Şipilova accidentally broke a test tube containing the deadly agent (Yersinia pestis) while working in the laboratory, and that Şipilova died after contracting "pulmonary plague".
According to local media, approximately 200 people who may have come into contact with the laboratory worker were kept under surveillance in the hospital, and 5 hospitals were closed due to quarantine.
The events led to claims that there might be a "plague epidemic" in Russia.
LATEST OFFICIAL STATEMENT: COVID-19 AND RHINOVIRUS WERE DETECTED IN THE CONTACTS
Following these developments, according to the latest statement from Rospotrebnadzor, it was reported that 2 Covid-19 and 2 rhinovirus cases were identified among people who came into contact with Şipilova, who was officially diagnosed with "pneumonia of undetermined cause".
In the statement, it was stated that the observation period of 60 percent of the people who came into contact with the woman who was diagnosed with pneumonia has ended, and added: "2 Covid-19 and 2 rhinovirus cases were identified among the people who came into contact with the woman." The expression was used.
In the statement, it was noted that the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections in the region was 12.6 percent below the epidemic threshold, and that this rate was in line with the average for many years.
“EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION IS CALM IN IRKUTSK”
In the statement, it was stated that approximately 16 thousand cases of acute respiratory viral infection were recorded weekly in the Irkutsk region, and that there was no change in the number of cases in the last 2 weeks, and added: "The sanitary and epidemiological situation in the region is calm." It was said.
Yesterday, Rospotrebnadzor announced that an employee of the Siberian and Far East Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute was diagnosed with "pneumonia of unknown origin" and announced that special measures were being taken.
Irkutsk Regional Governor Igor Kobzev announced on October 2 that an extraordinary sanitary and anti-epidemic commission meeting was held upon information that a person living in the region had "a suspicion of a particularly dangerous infection."
STATEMENT FROM THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) also made a statement on the subject, saying, "According to current unofficial information, the public health risk to the general population appears to be low. The risk will be evaluated when more information is obtained." informed.
In the statement, it was stated that WHO was aware of reports that a laboratory worker in the Irkutsk region in Siberia died of severe pneumonia on October 2. "No cause of death has been officially confirmed so far and laboratory tests are reported to be ongoing. It has been reported that all contacts of the patient have been identified and monitored for the disease and none of them have shown symptoms of the disease to date." expressions were used.
In accordance with Articles 9 and 10 of the International Health Regulations, WHO is in contact with Russian health authorities to confirm the incident, its conditions, the laboratory tests and results being carried out, the justification for contact tracing and the health status of the contacts, as well as possible international public health consequences. WHO pointed out that it offered support if needed.
"Based on current unofficial information, the public health risk to the general population appears to be low. The risk assessment will be updated as more information becomes available," the statement said. It was said.
