Russia Monitors Suspected Dangerous Infectious Disease Case in Irkutsk
Russian health authorities are monitoring a suspected particularly dangerous infectious disease affecting the local population in Irkutsk, while officials say the illness is most likely not plague.
Officials Downplay Plague Concerns
Gennady Onishchenko, former director of Rospotrebnadzor, said Friday that Shipilova’s infection was “most likely not the plague,” adding that “the disease will not spread,” CNN reported.
Rospotrebnadzor said the region’s “epidemiological situation” remained stable. In a statement, the agency said, “No microorganisms related to the employee’s professional duties were detected in the samples taken from the patient.”
Health Officials Visit Irkutsk
Despite the reassurance, Rospotrebnadzor’s current head, Anna Popova, made an unusual visit to Irkutsk on Friday. Local governor Igor Kobzev described the situation as “a suspected particularly dangerous infectious disease affecting the local population.”
US and European Health Agencies Monitor Situation
A US State Department spokesperson told CNN that officials were closely monitoring the situation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other interagency partners.
“Many details have not been confirmed,” the spokesperson said. “We encourage Russian authorities to share accurate information quickly and openly.”
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control said Monday that it was also monitoring the situation “very closely.”
Kyrgyzstan Announces Border Quarantine Measures
Kyrgyzstan, located about 2,500 miles from Irkutsk, announced Monday that it would introduce quarantine measures at state border crossings.
Source: arstechnica.com