A suspected outbreak of pneumonic plague is under investigation in Russia – but what is the risk to the UK
The entrance to the grounds of the anti-plague institute in the city of Irkutsk(Image: Getty)
Experts are watching the situation in Russia closely after claims that a laboratory worker died after contracting pneumonic plague. Darya Shipilova, who worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East in Irkutsk, south-eastern Siberia, reportedly died after accidentially smashing a test tube containing the potentially deadly virus.
It has been reported she died two days after becoming unwell, however the exact details remain unclear. Russian authorities say they have quarantined a hospital and are monitoring contacts of an employee from a plague research institute in Siberia who contracted pneumonia from an “unknown” cause.
They say they have found no evidence her illness was caused by any of the pathogens she worked with, but media reports suggest she may have died of pneumonic plague. But following on just six years from the world being locked down in the covid pandemic, sparked by a virus which started in China, some people are questioning if the same could happen again.
Health chiefs at the World Health Organisation and the UKHSA both say the risk is low. However, both are also monitoring the situation along with other world leaders including Donald Trump.
But as concerns remain with many, Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U has now shared his views on the risk to people living in the UK, as well as symptoms and treatments that are available. He said: “People are understandably concerned about the prospect of a pneumonic plague spreading across Russia, following 200 people being placed under strict medical observation.
“Pneumonic plague is spread through tiny droplets that are released from the nose and mouth when someone breathes, sneezes or coughs. The symptoms can be incredibly severe and usually develop quickly, including sudden high fever, chills, fatigue, as well as difficulty breathing and chest pain.”
How serious is pneumonic plague
Jason explained: “Pneumonic plague is the most serious form of the illness because of how quickly it can spread between humans and if left untreated, it can be fatal within 24 hours as the infection progresses into severe pneumonia.”
How is it treated?
The expert added: “Early detection and treatment are crucial in cases of pneumonic plague. Despite its reputation, however, pneumonic plague is now treatable when identified early, by using strong antibiotics such as gentamicin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin.
“Due to the severity of pneumonic plague, it is likely that patients will be treated in a hospital setting, alongside supportive care such as oxygen therapy and fluid replacement. Modern infection controls, contact tracing and effective antibiotic treatments mean that health authorities are well-equipped to contain cases.”
What is the risk to the UK public?
“When it comes to the UK, at present there appears to be little risk to the wider public,” said Jason. “Pneumonic plague is not established in the UK and the reported incident appears to be linked to a very specific outbreak. This does not mean though, it isn’t important to be aware of the symptoms.
“If you are experiencing a high fever, chills, fatigue, chest pain, a rapidly worsening cough or difficulty breathing, then it is important you contact a health professional. Similarly, if you have recently travelled from an area with a confirmed outbreak of pneumonic plague, then you should also continue to monitor any symptoms.”
What does the World Health Organisation say
Other health bodies have also spoken on the risk. World Health Organisation spokesperson Christian Lindmeier reportedly told the Russian state-run TASS news agency that its officials were in contact with Russian health authorities. This was “to verify the event, its circumstances, the laboratory tests underway, and their results, the rationale for contact-tracing and the health status of contacts, as well as any potential international public health implication”.
In a follow up statement, however, they added that based on “unofficial information… the public health risk to the general population appears to be low”. The spokesperson added all of the victim’s contacts have “reportedly been identified and are being monitored for illness, and none to date have shown symptoms of illness”.
What the UK and USA are saying?
President Donald Trump has said the US is looking “very strongly” at the case. And on Tuesday, The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was seeking further information on the Russian case but reassured the public about possible spread.
Chris Lewis, director of global health protection at the UKHSA, said: “We are aware of media reports that emergency containment measures have been introduced in Russia’s Irkutsk region following the death of an employee at the Irkutsk anti-plague institute.
“We are seeking information through the International Health Regulations channels to further understand the circumstances and verify the accuracy of these reports. The public health risk from plague to the wider UK population currently remains very low.”