Irkutsk Worker Dies After Suspected Plague Infection

A laboratory worker died in Irkutsk region after a suspected plague infection, and authorities placed people who may have been in contact with her under medical observation while restricting activity at a local hospital. Officials have not confirmed the diagnosis or specified the form of plague. Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev said authorities were carrying out antiepidemic measures and that identified contacts had been placed under observation. Reports put the number of people being monitored at about 200 or at least 197; the accounts did not establish the exact count or when it was measured. The Shelekhov district hospital, where the woman was treated, was reportedly placed under quarantine. Reports said admissions and releases were suspended. One account said more than 100 people being monitored were in hospital wards. The restrictions and monitoring were described as precautionary measures while authorities assessed possible exposure. Alexei Tsydenov, head of neighboring Buryatia, said the woman had died from an unspecified form of plague. Irkutsk officials had initially described her illness as a particularly dangerous infection.