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Tengrinews.kz — The European Commission is closely monitoring a suspected outbreak of pneumonic plague in Russia and stands ready to coordinate response measures among member states if necessary, citing Euronews.
The potential threat came to light following the death of a laboratory worker at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute on October 2, who reportedly broke a test tube containing the plague pathogen. Her cause of death was officially listed as "pneumonia of uncertain etiology".
The incident prompted the implementation of preventive measures in the region. Approximately 200 individuals who were in contact with the employee have been placed under strict medical supervision.
While Russian authorities have so far withheld confirmation of a plague outbreak, the reports have sparked global concern, the article notes.
"We are aware of reports of a laboratory incident in Russia, apparently involving the pathogen that causes plague," a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday. "Public health protection is always our priority, so we are in contact with our experts from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. We are monitoring the development of the situation very closely."
Pneumonic plague is a fast-acting lung infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, transmitted through close contact with an infected person via respiratory droplets. The disease is characterized by a high mortality rate but is highly treatable with modern antibiotics.
"Post-COVID-19, we are much better prepared for any pandemics," the spokesperson noted, adding that countries maintain antibiotic reserves.
The Commission is receiving updates from Russian authorities through the World Health Organization (WHO), as Moscow's contacts with European partners have been significantly restricted since the start of the war in Ukraine.
It is noted that at this stage, the EU executive body does not plan to convene a special meeting or introduce emergency measures.
Brussels' reaction largely mirrors Washington's approach. Earlier, Axios reported, citing a spokesperson for President Donald Trump's administration, that the White House is monitoring the situation in Russia due to the suspected plague. According to the source, the administration is aware of the situation, tracking developments, and evaluating potential courses of action.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Health reported that they are monitoring the situation in the Irkutsk region. Amid reports of potential infection with a highly dangerous pathogen, sanitary and quarantine controls have been intensified at the border. The ministry currently assesses the risk of the infection entering Kazakhstan as low.