Russian lab worker dies of ‘unknown’ pneumonia as nearly 200 placed under observation

Russian authorities have placed nearly 200 people under medical observation after a laboratory worker died following exposure to an unknown pathogen in Siberia, according to reports.

The 28-year-old technician worked at the Anti-Plague Research Institute in Shelekhov, near Irkutsk. She reportedly told medical staff that she had accidentally broken a test tube containing live biological samples while working at the facility.

She was later hospitalised with severe pneumonia of unknown origin, placed on a ventilator and died on Thursday.

Russia’s consumer safety watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said emergency sanitary measures were introduced after a case of pneumonia of unknown cause was identified at the facility.

At least 197 people believed to have had direct or indirect contact with the technician have been placed under medical isolation, according to regional media. More than 100 are reportedly being monitored in hospitals.

Authorities have also imposed quarantine measures at Shelekhov District Hospital, a nearby maternity facility and a local aluminium plant.

Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev said an anti-epidemic commission had been convened over a suspected case of a particularly dangerous infection. He said identified close contacts were asymptomatic and had tested negative.

Russian authorities have reportedly opened a criminal investigation into possible workplace health and safety violations.

The incident has fuelled speculation about pneumonic plague because of the facility’s work with dangerous pathogens. However, former Rospotrebnadzor chief Gennady Onishchenko said the infection was most likely not plague and that widespread transmission was unlikely.