The World Health Organisation stated that the risk of a plague epidemic in Russia is low. Darya Shipilova, aged 28, passed away last week.
Russian authorities reported that Shipilova died from pneumonia of an unknown cause. Authorities implemented strict quarantine measures at the research centre in Irkutsk and several nearby hospitals.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier confirmed on Tuesday that there was no sign of a wider outbreak. The WHO assessed the health risk as moderate to low for Irkutsk, low for the remainder of Russia, and very low for Europe.
Sixty of Shipilova’s colleagues remained locked within the institute since Friday. Furthermore, relatives were prohibited from visiting patients across five hospitals.
Rospotrebnadzor stated that the situation in Irkutsk remained stable, noting no new infectious disease cases among institute employees. Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, called on Moscow on Tuesday to release further details.
Donald Trump stated that his administration was prepared to offer assistance. Rospotrebnadzor announced that Russia was ready to help the US combat infectious diseases.
Rospotrebnadzor also highlighted a significantly worsened measles situation across three US states. Additionally, Rospotrebnadzor pointed to a fatal plague case recorded in New Mexico during June.
