The World Health Organisation has demanded answers from Russia following reports of a second death from an unidentified “plague” believed to have killed a researcher, with Donald Trump now set to ask Vladimir Putin about the outbreak.
WHO seeks clarification after second reported case
World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on Putin appointees to provide an update after “reports of a second employee with pneumonia of undetermined cause”, just days after the death of Darya Shipilova, 28, an employee at the Irkutsk anti-plague institute in Irkutsk, Siberia. Fears of a full-blown outbreak rose after nearly 200 people were reportedly hospitalised for observation in the wake of Ms Shipilova's death last week.
She was said to have fallen unwell after breaking a flask at the laboratory, and been sent to quarantine at hospital before she died, and Dr Ghebreyesus said he has since seen reports that one of her colleagues has come down with a similar pneumonia.
Russian authorities report no plague cases
Taking to social media in a lengthy statement, the global health coordinator, who was instrumental in leading the world through the Covid-19 pandemic, said his organisation has been “actively following up” on the death of Ms Shipilova. He said Russian authorities have not registered any cases of the plague.
He wrote: “In response to WHO’s verification request under the International Health Regulations, the Russian health authorities reported that no case of plague had recently been registered in Irkutsk oblast.”
“They informed WHO that an epidemiological investigation had been conducted, preventive and control measures implemented, and identified contacts placed under medical observation and tested. They reported that no high-threat pathogens had been detected among the contacts and that medical observation of all identified contacts had been completed.”
He added WHO is now seeking additional answers from the Russian government following media reports that someone else has now fallen unwell.
He said: “WHO has remained in contact with the Russian health authorities and has offered technical support. WHO has requested further information to clarify the cause of the severe pneumonia, the pathogen that prompted the public health measures, and media reports of a second employee with pneumonia of undetermined cause.”
“Timely, complete and transparent information sharing under the International Health Regulations is essential to clarify conflicting reports and enable an accurate assessment of potential public health risks.”
Trump plans call with Putin
The news comes after Donald Trump revealed he has a call scheduled with Vladimir Putin over the situation this week, with the US President having already publicly offered to help the dictator.
He said on Tuesday that he scheduled a call with Putin “very soon”, adding he was involved in “very deep discussions” following reports of the sickness in Irkutsk. He added: “I hate to see them having it. Anybody that has that kind of a problem, we’re always willing to help.”
