Russia plague scare: What is pneumonic plague, how dangerous is the infection, what are its symptoms and how does it spread?

A lab researcher at a Russian institute died after developing pneumonia of an "unknown" origin. This has raised questions about the possibility of pneumonic plague. The 28-year-old lab researcher worked at the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute in Siberia. According to reports, several people have been quarantined there after the incident. Meanwhile, Rospotrebnadzor, the Russian agency that oversees infectious disease, has stated there is no connection between the death of the young lab researcher and her work.

Notably, the World Health Organization (WHO) claimed that it is in contact with the Russian authorities, and is trying to determine what exactly happened, which kind of testing is carried out and whether there are any global health implications or not.

According to CNN, a WHO spokesperson said, “Based on unofficial information available, the public health risk to the general population appears to be low."

What is pneumonic plague and is it dangerous?

Pneumonic plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is a rare and potentially deadly lung infection. It is also considered the most dangerous form of plague.

Scientists claim that pneumonic plague affects the lungs. Meanwhile, Septicemic plague can cause organ failure and infect the bloodstream.

Can pneumonic plague spread from person to person?

Yes. It is the only form of plague that can spread directly from person to person. According to reports, it can spread through respiratory particles released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, severe pneumonia, weakness, and difficulty in breathing. Experts say that some patients may also experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and in some cases it may turn fatal.

Doctors can treat it with antibiotics, and treatment which starts in the first 24 hours can save the life of the patient. Oxygen, fluids, and other kinds of supportive care may also be required for the treatment.

Is there a vaccine for it?

Plague vaccines have been used since the 19th century, but it is still not clear if they offer protection from the pneumonic plague. Notably, apart from the laboratory personnel, who are constantly exposed to the risk of contamination, WHO doesn’t recommend vaccination.

Should people worry about the outbreak?

Not much. WHO says the risk to the general public remains low. According to CNN, experts claim that the plague can cause severe illness rapidly, which limits the ability of the infected person to travel and hence the infection may not spread widely.

Dr Rutul Dalal, an infectious disease physician at Penn State Health St Joseph Medical Center, told CNN, "It’s very difficult for someone to even walk, do their daily activities, let alone travel."

Similarly, the US State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said that they are monitoring the situation.

Health officials have also recommended people to avoid direct contact with patients. Healthcare workers should also maintain good hygiene and use protective equipment. Meanwhile, in case of exposure, family members and other people who came in close contact with the patient will also be monitored by the health officials. Washing hands with soap and water is also highly recommended as part of the prevention routine.