CanadaRussian Lab Worker Dies
A researcher at a Siberian plague institute has died of pneumonia with an unknown cause, prompting quarantine measures. Canadian and US authorities are monitoring the situation.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel said there is no risk for Canada following the death of a Russian laboratory worker at a plague research institute in Siberia. The worker, Darya Shipilova, died of pneumonia of an unknown cause last week.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is closely monitoring the situation, but does not believe there is cause for alarm. He noted that the disease could spread quickly if it gets out.
Russian health officials have quarantined a hospital and dozens of individuals in the town of Shelekhov, where Shipilova died. The quarantined hospital is no longer discharging or admitting patients, and individuals who came into contact with Shipilova are being monitored.
Anna Popova, head of Russia's public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, flew to Irkutsk to meet with officials on Friday. Rospotrebnadzor is implementing a full range of anti-epidemic measures, according to Irkutsk Oblast Gov. Igor Kobzev.
Kobzev said no new cases of staff from the Anti-Plague Institute seeking medical attention have been identified over the past few days. The Irkutsk Aluminum Plant in Shelekhov required staff to wear masks as a precaution.
The death has sparked public health fears, amid unconfirmed reports suggesting Shipilova might have died of pneumonic plague. Plague is endemic to Siberia, but it is rare for Russians to fall ill with the disease.
Russian authorities have found no evidence that the illness was caused by pathogens Shipilova worked with. The US and Canada are working with the World Health Organization to monitor the situation.
Key facts
- A Russian lab worker has died of pneumonia with an unknown cause
- The worker was employed at a plague research institute in Siberia
- Quarantine measures are in place in several hospitals in eastern Russia
- Canadian and US authorities are monitoring the situation
Three perspectives
Neutral
The situation is being closely monitored by Canadian and US authorities. The World Health Organization is also involved in monitoring the situation. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
Positive
The quick response by Russian health officials to quarantine the hospital and individuals who came into contact with the worker has likely prevented the spread of the disease. The cooperation between countries to monitor the situation is also a positive development.
Negative
The lack of transparency from Russian authorities about the cause of the worker's death has raised concerns. The fact that plague is endemic to Siberia and the worker was employed at a plague research institute has also sparked fears of a potential outbreak.
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