WHO seeks more information from Russia about lab worker's death

The World Health Organization says it still does not know what caused the death of a worker at Russia’s Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute, which studies plague and other illnesses. ABC News reported that WHO cited initial, unconfirmed reports suggesting pneumonic plague and called for a continued investigation.

NPR reported that Russia did not notify WHO about the death. WHO learned of it through media reports and sought verification and more information on Oct. 3. Russian health officials told WHO on Oct. 6 that there were no plague cases in the region and that the worker had severe pneumonia of unknown origin. NPR said about 200 contacts were placed in quarantine.

ABC reported that Russian officials conducted more than 5,500 tests and found no evidence of dangerous pathogenic microorganisms. WHO said more clinical, epidemiological and laboratory information, including confirmation of the diagnosis, is needed to improve confidence in its assessment. NPR reported that the International Health Regulations call for countries to notify WHO within 24 hours of detecting a serious health event, but have no mechanism to compel compliance.