The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially requested additional information from the Russian government concerning the death of an employee at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute. Furthermore, the international body has asked for data regarding another worker suffering from pneumonia of unclear origin, as well as the specific pathogen that prompted extensive preventive and anti-epidemic measures across the Irkutsk region.

This inquiry was triggered following reports on October 2 regarding the death of the institute's staff member. The woman was hospitalized with severe pneumonia, and initial media reports allegedly linked her fatality to a potential pulmonary plague infection stemming from an alleged laboratory incident. These reports sparked international concern over bio-safety protocols and the transparency of handling dangerous pathogens.

In response to the WHO's queries under the International Health Regulations, Russian health authorities claimed that no cases of plague have been registered recently in the Irkutsk region. According to their official statements, an epidemiological investigation was supposedly carried out, preventive measures were enforced, and identified contacts were tested and placed under medical observation without any dangerous pathogens being detected.

Despite these assurances from Moscow, the WHO has demanded further clarifications to determine the exact cause of the severe pneumonia in the deceased employee, identify the pathogen behind the sanitary measures, and verify reports regarding a second affected worker. The organization maintains that a transparent and timely exchange of information is critical to resolve existing contradictions and assess potential public health risks.

Source: podrobno.uz