Russia says Irkutsk is lifting precautions after 'pneumonia of unknown cause' case
In short
Russia's consumer protection and public welfare watchdog said on October 7 that the epidemic situation in Irkutsk region, where a case of "pneumonia of unknown cause" was recently reported, is stable with no health risk, and that the city of Irkutsk is lifting preventive measures. The patient, a worker at an anti-plague research institute in Irkutsk, died on October 2, according to an earlier social media post by WHO Director-General Tedros.
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Russia's Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare said in a notice on October 7 that the epidemic situation in Irkutsk region, where a case of "pneumonia of unknown cause" was recently reported, is stable and poses no health risk. The regional capital, Irkutsk, is lifting the related preventive measures, the agency said, according to reports by Xinhua, China News Service and CLS. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
The case drew attention after posts online claimed that a worker at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East had died of plague. On October 6 the agency said the sick worker employed at the institute had been diagnosed with "pneumonia of unknown cause". [ 2 , 4 ]
According to the October 7 notice, more than 90% of people who had contact with the patient had completed medical observation by that day, and no health problems related to infection were found. Nearly 5,000 laboratory test results showed no dangerous pathogenic microorganisms. Two commissions responsible for overseeing biosafety requirements both confirmed that the institute had not had any accidents in its work with pathogenic microorganisms. [ 2 , 4 ]
The notice said the worker had been vaccinated against the dangerous infectious diseases related to their work and had immunity. After the illness became known, comprehensive measures were taken immediately under the relevant health laws, the agency said. It added that it had informed the World Health Organization in line with international health regulations. [ 2 , 4 ]
WHO Director-General Tedros said earlier in a social media post that the patient was hospitalised with severe pneumonia and died on October 2. The WHO has been following the case since it was first reported by social media, according to the reports. Xinhua filed its report from Moscow on October 8; Yicai also carried the headline. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The case drew attention after online claims that the institute worker had died of plague, while the Russian agency described the illness as pneumonia of unknown cause. The agency said tests found no dangerous pathogens and that the institute had no accidents, and the WHO has said it is following the case.
Key facts
- On October 7 the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare said the situation in Irkutsk region is stable, with no health risk, and Irkutsk city is lifting preventive measures. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
- On October 6 the agency said the sick worker at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East was diagnosed with "pneumonia of unknown cause". [ 2 , 4 ]
- More than 90% of the patient's contacts had completed medical observation by October 7, with no health problems related to infection found. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Nearly 5,000 laboratory test results found no dangerous pathogenic microorganisms. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Two biosafety oversight commissions confirmed the institute had no accidents in its work with pathogenic microorganisms. [ 2 , 4 ]
- The agency said it notified the World Health Organization under international health regulations. [ 2 , 4 ]
- According to a social media post by WHO Director-General Tedros, the patient was hospitalised with severe pneumonia and died on October 2. [ 2 , 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Russia's consumer protection and public welfare watchdog said on October 7 that Irkutsk city is lifting preventive measures and the situation in Irkutsk region is stable with no health risk. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
- The worker's illness was diagnosed as "pneumonia of unknown cause", according to the Russian agency. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Nearly 5,000 laboratory tests found no dangerous pathogenic microorganisms, the agency said. [ 2 , 4 ]
- The patient died on October 2 after being hospitalised with severe pneumonia, according to WHO Director-General Tedros. [ 2 , 4 ]
Still unclear
- The exact cause of the worker's illness and death. The Russian agency describes it only as pneumonia of unknown cause; online posts had claimed plague, which the agency did not confirm.
- How long the remaining preventive measures in Irkutsk will take to be lifted. The documents say only that the measures are being lifted.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- CLS reports that Russia says Irkutsk is lifting preventive measures. [ 1 ]
- China News Service publishes the full report, including the WHO account that the patient died on October 2. [ 2 ]
- Yicai runs the headline on Irkutsk lifting preventive measures. [ 3 ]
- Xinhua publishes its report filed from Moscow on October 8. [ 4 ]