Russian Lab Death Remains Unexplained

The World Health OrganizationWorld Health OrganizationUnited Nations agency concerned with international public health said it found no evidence of ongoing transmission after a 28-year-old worker at Russia’s Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research InstituteIrkutsk Anti-Plague InstituteRussian anti-epidemic research institute died on Oct. 2 after developing pneumonia. The case drew concern because pneumonic plague was initially suspected; it can cause severe pneumonia and spread through respiratory droplets. Russian health authorities said the worker had pneumonia of unknown cause, and tests had not detected plague or other tested high-threat pathogens. Officials said more than 5,500 samples were tested, while about 200 contacts were placed under observation. The WHO said the cause remains unconfirmed and asked Russia for more clinical, epidemiological and laboratory information.