Russia plague scare: ‘Dangerous infection’ that killed one may have been released after researcher broke a test tube. Here’s what we know

A 'dangerous infection' has reportedly been got leaked from a Russian lab which has already claimed one life while 200 others are currently under observation, CNN reported. The incident took place at the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute in Shelekhov, near Irkutsk. In the incident at an anti-plague research institute in Siberia a 28-year-old female researcher said to have died following "severe pneumonia of unknown origin".

Russian agency that handles infectious disease Rospotrebnadzor said that it is not exactly what was released but said that the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the Irkutsk region, including Irkutsk and Shelekhov, remains stable.

What happened at the Siberia laboratory?

The researcher, identified in reports as Daria Shipilova, was reportedly working at the anti-plague institute when she became seriously ill. Some reports said she may have accidentally broken a test tube containing live plague bacteria while working with biological material. She developed severe pneumonia and was admitted to a hospital in Shelekhov. Her condition deteriorated rapidly and she was placed on a ventilator before dying on October 2, according to reports.

Nearly 200 people placed under medical observation

The death has prompted authorities to monitor people who may have had close contact with the researcher. Nearly 200 people have reportedly been placed under medical observation, with some being isolated in hospitals. The Shelekhov district hospital was also placed under quarantine as authorities assessed the situation.

As per Euro News, masks were made compulsory as a preventive measure at the Irkutsk aluminium plant in Shelekhov. "Residents of Shelekhov have seen people on the streets wearing protective suits, masks and gloves. Local parents also say masks were handed out in kindergartens," claimed a report of Euro News.

A previous head of Rospotrebnadzor, Gennady Onishchenko earlier told CNN that the infection might not be plague "but even if confirmed, there will be no spread of this disease.”

But notably, the deceased laboratory assistant specialised in research on dangerous pathogens.

What is pneumonic plague?

Pneumonic plague is a severe form of plague caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Unlike bubonic plague, which primarily affects the lymph nodes, pneumonic plague infects the lungs. The World Health Organization says plague can spread through infected flea bites, direct contact with infected material and, in cases of pneumonic plague, inhalation of respiratory particles from an infected person.

Pneumonic plague may have symptoms including fever, headache, weakness, chills, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and

Rapidly developing pneumonia. It can become fatal very quickly if it is not diagnosed and treated promptly. However, WHO says plague can be treated effectively with antibiotics when detected early.

It can spread directly between people. According to WHO, a person with pneumonic plague can transmit the bacteria through respiratory particles. This is why patients suspected of having the disease are isolated and close contacts can be monitored and, when appropriate, given preventive treatment.

WHO also notes that untreated pneumonic plague can be rapidly fatal, but early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment can significantly improve the chances of survival.