Russian lab accident triggers pneumonic plague scare, 28-year-old researcher dies, 200+ quarantined

Moscow (The Uttam Hindu): A 28-year-old female lab technician has died from suspected pneumonic plague following an accident at a research lab in Russia's Siberian region of Irkutsk. The incident has caused widespread panic in the area. At least five hospitals have been temporarily closed and more than 200 people have been quarantined as a precaution to prevent the spread of the infection.

The technician came in contact with live bacteria due to the test tube breaking

This sensational case is from the 'Anti-Plague Research Institute' located in the city of Shelekhov in the Irkutsk region. The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Daria Shipilova. According to local media reports, Shipilova had told the hospital doctors that while taking samples during research, she accidentally dropped a test tube from her hand and broke it. The test tube contained extremely deadly and live bacteria of plague. It is believed that when the test tube broke, the bacteria entered her body through her breath, due to which she became a victim of pneumonic plague.

Daria Shipilova's condition worsened on the ventilator, and she died on October 1

After her health suddenly deteriorated, she was admitted to a local hospital in Shelekhov on September 29 with symptoms of severe pneumonia. As the infection rapidly spread to her lungs, her condition became critical, and she had to be transferred to life support, i.e., a ventilator. Despite the best efforts of doctors, the infection could not be controlled, and she died during treatment on October 1.

Over 200 people in isolation, many public events cancelled

The administration launched a massive contact tracing campaign in view of the gravity of the situation. Over 200 people, including doctors, medical staff, colleagues and family members, who came in contact with the deceased have been identified and placed under strict medical observation and quarantine. Furthermore, five hospitals where the victim was taken for treatment or examination have been sealed as a precautionary measure. Several public and social events in the area have also been cancelled until further orders.

Governor appeals for calm, surveillance system on alert

Irkutsk Region Governor Igor Kobzev issued an official statement confirming that a suspected case of a highly dangerous infection has been reported in the region. He appealed to the general public to ignore any rumors and maintain calm. The Governor assured that the health and emergency departments are closely monitoring the situation and that all necessary protocols have been implemented to prevent the infection from spreading to the outside world.