Scientists are reacting to reports of a Russian researcher's death in Irkutsk, reportedly from an accidental release of plague bacteria. Dr Zania Stamataki, Associate Professor of Viral Immunology at the University of Birmingham, stated that the cause is currently described as pneumonia of unknown origin, and Yersinia pestis has not been confirmed as the cause of pneumonic plague.
Dr Stamataki highlighted that plague is not a historical disease, remaining endemic in rodent populations across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with human cases occurring annually. Laboratories study the live organism for diagnostics, vaccine development, and surveillance for antibiotic resistance, which is vital for preparing against outbreaks.
Prof Ian Jones, Professor of Virology at the University of Reading, suggested that this case appears to be a rare lab accident and is unlikely to spread widely. He noted that contacts of the primary case are known and can be treated if they show signs of infection.
Dr Simon Clarke, Associate Professor in Cellular Microbiology at the University of Reading, explained that pneumonic plague is a bacterial disease, unlike many viral respiratory diseases. It is nearly always fatal if not treated promptly, but antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides are effective if administered early.
Dr Clarke also commented on the claim that a laboratory worker may have been infected after breaking a test tube. He stated that lab-acquired infections are rare due to multiple layers of protection, strict procedures, and safety systems in high-containment laboratories.