Russia Says No Outbreak Risk After Plague Institute Worker Dies; WHO Seeks Data

Russian health authorities said on October 7 there is no risk of an infectious disease outbreak following the death of a worker at a plague research institute in Siberia, while WHO called for more information. The consumer rights watchdog said preventive measures are being scaled down in the Irkutsk region. Medical observation of over 90 percent of the deceased worker's contacts has been completed, with no dangerous pathogens detected in about 5,000 tests. The worker was a female laboratory technician at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute, whose death has sparked international concern and speculation in recent days. Local authorities had introduced infection control measures at hospitals in Irkutsk, though some residents questioned the transparency of official information. WHO Director-General Tedros said a full risk assessment is not yet possible, emphasizing that timely, complete, and transparent information sharing under international rules is essential to clarify conflicting reports.