The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested further information from Russian authorities regarding the death of a plague laboratory worker in Siberia, as the organization currently lacks enough data to conduct a full risk assessment. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, stated Wednesday that the WHO asked Russia for more details on Saturday, in accordance with International Health Regulations.
Russia responded Tuesday, reporting that no plague cases had recently occurred in the Irkutsk oblast and that approximately 200 contacts had been placed under quarantine. However, initial media reports suggested the worker died of plague, while Russian officials later stated the individual succumbed to pneumonia and that the illness was not work-related.
"As we don't yet have the full picture of this event, we are not able to conduct a full risk assessment," Tedros said. "Timely, complete and transparent information sharing under the International Health Regulations is essential to clarify conflicting reports and enable an accurate assessment of potential public health risks."
Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, director of the WHO's department of epidemic and pandemic management, told reporters that the organization needs more information on the tests conducted, contact tracing, and other details surrounding the death. She noted that the WHO has received some initial reports from Russia following the request but is still awaiting comprehensive information.
The WHO has offered technical assistance concerning plague and laboratory biosafety and biosecurity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated Tuesday that there is currently no indication of a broader threat to the United States, but the agency and its partners are monitoring the situation.
Plague is a bacterial disease caused by Yersinia pestis, which can manifest in bubonic, pneumonic, or septicemic forms. Symptoms include fever, chills, and weakness. The CDC notes that plague is treatable with antibiotics, and early treatment increases the chances of recovery. The United States records an average of seven plague cases annually, primarily in its western states, with the last documented human-to-human transmission occurring over a century ago.