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The European Commission is monitoring the suspected outbreak of pneumonic plague in Siberia, Russia “very closely” and stands ready to coordinate a response between member states if necessary.
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The situation was revealed following death on October 2, of an employee of the laboratory of the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute who allegedly broke a test tube containing the plague pathogen. His death was attributed to “pneumonia of unknown etiology.”
The incident prompted precautionary measures to be taken in the area. Around 200 people who had been in contact with the laboratory employee were placed under strict medical observation.
Russian authorities have so far refrained from confirming the existence of a plague outbreak, but the reports have sparked increased concern around the world.
“We are aware of reports of an incident at a laboratory in Russia, apparently involving a plague pathogen,” a Commission spokesperson said on Monday.
“Public health is always a priority for us, which is why we are in contact with our experts at the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control,” the spokesperson added.
“We are monitoring what is happening very closely.”
Pneumonic plague is a rapidly progressing lung infection caused by Yersinia pestis that spreads through infectious respiratory droplets during close contact. It has a high mortality rate, but it can be treated effectively with modern antibiotics.
“We are much better prepared for any pandemic” after COVID, the spokesperson said, noting that countries have stockpiles of antibiotics.
The Commission uses the World Health Organization (WHO) to obtain information from Russian authorities, whose contacts with their European counterparts have been heavily restricted since the start of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
For the moment, the executive does not intend to convene a dedicated meeting or adopt emergency measures.
Brussels’ response mimics that of Washington.
The US Department of State said he is monitoring the situation “closely” and urged Moscow to provide “accurate” information “quickly and openly.” The Commission also stressed the need for “transparent and timely reporting”.
The plague has been absent in Europe for more than 50 years.
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