Death in Russia Raises Suspicions of Pneumonic Plague; KDCA: “No Evidence of Transmission, and Treatment Supplies Are Sufficient”

[Financial News] A death from pneumonia of unknown cause, with pneumonic plague suspected, was reported in Russia’s Irkutsk region, but the risk of it entering South Korea was assessed as “low.” The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reviewed its quarantine and surveillance systems as a precaution.
According to reports, an employee of the Anti-Plague Research Institute in Russia’s Irkutsk region was hospitalized with pneumonia on the 29th of last month. The illness worsened, and the employee died on the 2nd of this month. There were 197 contacts, including institute employees and medical staff, and 189 of them are under quarantine and observation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and major health authorities abroad are reported to have generally assessed the risk from this case as low, based on the limited information available so far. The WHO said it had found no evidence of sustained transmission and cited the lack of a confirmed diagnosis for the deceased employee as a key uncertainty.
On the 7th, the KDCA conducted a rapid risk assessment and rated the overall risk to South Korea as “low” (likelihood of occurrence: “very low”; impact: “low”). It held a situation review meeting on the 12th and maintained that assessment.
Although the pathogen has not been clearly identified, the KDCA reviewed its state of readiness in case the illness was caused by the plague bacterium, to ensure that quarantine, surveillance, diagnosis, epidemiological investigations, and the management of patients and contacts could all be carried out promptly in accordance with guidelines. Plague is an acute febrile illness caused by infection with the plague bacterium (Yersinia pestis) and is classified as a Class 1 infectious disease in South Korea.
The KDCA will step up surveillance, focusing on people entering South Korea who have a history of visiting or staying in Russia and have a fever or respiratory symptoms. If the risk increases, it plans to take necessary quarantine measures, including designating a quarantine management area. Any suspected case will be transferred immediately to a nationally designated inpatient treatment unit for isolation and care. Sufficient supplies of treatments, including antibiotics, are available in reserve in addition to those distributed commercially.
The KDCA will continue to monitor developments and share information with the international community, including the WHO and Europe. It also plans to promptly provide accurate information and updates so the public does not become unduly alarmed.
 


[email protected] Jeong Myeong-jin, Medical Correspondent Reporter