Mystery illness in Russia: Plague Research Institute employee dies, 200 under observation

Punjab Newsline | New Delhi

Nearly 200 people in Russia have been placed under medical monitoring following the death of a 28-year-old laboratory employee who worked at an anti-plague research institute in Siberia.

The woman reportedly fell seriously ill after working with biological samples at the research facility. She was admitted to hospital on September 29 after her health deteriorated and was later placed on a ventilator. She died during the night of October 1.

Test Tube Incident Raises Questions

According to local reports, a test tube containing live biological material broke while the woman was working in the laboratory on September 25.

However, the exact nature of the biological sample has not been officially disclosed. Some local reports have suggested that it could have been connected to plague research, but Russian authorities have not confirmed the claim.

The incident has sparked concern because the woman subsequently developed severe pneumonia and died despite receiving treatment.

Russian Health Agency Denies Lab Accident

Russia's health and consumer protection agency, Rospotrebnadzor, has denied reports that a test tube broke at the laboratory.

The agency said that samples taken from the woman did not contain microorganisms associated with her laboratory work. This has added to the uncertainty surrounding the cause of her illness.

Authorities have not established whether her death was linked to her work at the research institute.

Cause of Pneumonia Remains Unknown

The woman was reportedly suffering from severe pneumonia, but doctors were unable to determine the specific cause of the illness before her death.

Following the case, authorities held an emergency meeting and began monitoring people who had been in contact with her.

For now, the illness is being described as pneumonia of unknown origin. Pneumonia can be caused by viruses or bacteria and, in some cases, by fungi or other factors.

Nearby Factory Takes Precautionary Measures

An aluminium factory located near the research facility has advised its employees to wear masks as a precautionary measure.

Factory officials said rumours had spread in the area following the woman's death, prompting additional concern among employees.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and the source of the infection. So far, there is no official confirmation that the woman died from plague or that the illness was caused by a biological sample at the research institute.