MOSCOW: Concerns over pneumonic plague have emerged in Russia after a young laboratory worker died from a mysterious form of pneumonia.
The 28-year-old woman worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute. She died last week after becoming seriously ill.
Russian authorities have not confirmed that she had plague.
Health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said tests found no microorganisms linked to her work. It described the illness as pneumonia of unknown origin.
The case has renewed attention on pneumonic plague. It is the rarest and most serious form of plague.
How Does Pneumonic Plague Spread?
Pneumonic plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It affects the lungs and can spread between people.
An infected person can release respiratory droplets while coughing. Another person may become infected after inhaling these droplets.
However, pneumonic plague does not spread as easily as illnesses such as Covid-19.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), person-to-person transmission is rare. It usually requires close and direct contact with an infected person.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
People can take several precautions to reduce their risk of infection.
- Avoid close contact with anyone suspected of having pneumonic plague.
- Wear a mask when close contact cannot be avoided.
- Avoid handling sick or dead animals in areas where plague occurs.
- Take precautions to prevent flea bites.
- Keep rodents and fleas away from homes and pets.
People who have been exposed to a suspected case should also seek medical advice promptly.
Symptoms of Pneumonic Plague
Pneumonic plague can initially cause fever, headache and weakness.
The illness can then develop quickly and cause pneumonia.
Other symptoms may include chest pain, breathing problems and coughing. The cough can sometimes produce bloody or watery mucus.
Anyone who develops these symptoms after close exposure should seek medical attention immediately.
Early Treatment Is Critical
Plague has a serious history, but it is treatable with antibiotics.
Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the chances of recovery.
Without treatment, pneumonic plague can become fatal. This makes rapid medical care especially important.
