In China, attention has intensified regarding epidemiological risks along the border with Russia following the death of a female employee at the Anti-Plague Research Institute in the Irkutsk Region. Chinese media have reported on risk assessments regarding the potential introduction of a dangerous infection in the border town of Manchuria. Meanwhile, on 6 October, the US Embassy in Moscow issued a health advisory for American citizens.
- In Chinese Manchuria, the risks of the plague being introduced have been assessed following an incident in Russia.
- An employee of the anti-plague institute has died in the Irkutsk Region.
- The US Embassy issued a health advisory on 6 October.
- The WHO has found no evidence of the infection spreading further.
- The cause of the laboratory worker’s death remains unknown.
China is assessing the risk of the plague being imported from Russia
Amid reports of a possible outbreak of pneumonic plague in Irkutsk, Russia The Chinese epidemiological control authorities have turned their attention to the situation near the national border.
According to a report by the Chinese platform Sina On 10 October, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the city of Manchuria carried out a risk assessment regarding the plague. During the discussion, experts reviewed information regarding pneumonia of unknown origin in the Irkutsk region and the potential risks associated with the movement of people and goods across the border.
Manchuria is situated in Inner Mongolia, on the border between China and Russia. A system for the continuous monitoring of natural plague foci is already in place in this region.
What happened in Irkutsk, Russia
On 2 October, it emerged that an employee of the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East had died.
A 28-year-old Daria Shipilova She died following a severe case of pneumonia of unknown origin. Reports of a possible infection with the pneumonic form of the plague led to the implementation of anti-epidemic measures. The Russian authorities identified a group of close contacts, who were placed under medical observation. In total, this involved approximately 200 people.
Local authorities have stated that no dangerous infectious agents were detected in those who had been in contact with her. However, the exact cause of death of the institute’s employee remains unclear.
The US Embassy has warned Americans of a potential danger
On 6 October, the US Embassy in Moscow issued a separate warning regarding reports of a suspected case of pneumonic plague in the Irkutsk Region.
The diplomatic mission has advised US citizens in the area to follow the guidance of local health authorities, avoid locations subject to quarantine measures, and seek medical attention promptly should they develop any symptoms.
The embassy also reiterated that the highest, fourth-level travel warning remains in force for Russia. This involves a recommendation that US citizens leave the country immediately.
Why is pneumonic plague dangerous?
Pneumonic plague — a severe bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis. Unlike other forms of the disease, pneumonic plague can be transmitted from person to person via respiratory droplets during close contact with an infected person. The disease can progress rapidly; however, prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics significantly improves the prognosis.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control also stated that it has no evidence of secondary cases or sustained human-to-human transmission.
Consequently, precautionary measures and international monitoring do not, in themselves, indicate the onset of an epidemic.
Chinese regions are urging people not to panic
On 10 October, the Hunan Provincial Centre for Disease Control issued a statement regarding the plague following reports of an incident in Russia.
Chinese experts explained how the infection is transmitted, its symptoms and the available treatments. They also pointed out that there are no natural foci of plague within the province, and that the risk of infection for the local population is extremely low.
