The World Health Organisation (WHO) has requested further information from the Russian Federation regarding the death of a laboratory worker in Irkutsk. According to WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the worker died after being hospitalised with severe pneumonia, with initial media reports linking the death to pneumonic plague. WHO became aware of the situation on October 2, after the Russian government held a meeting over concerns that a resident of Irkutsk oblast may have contracted a dangerous infection.
The Russian government responded to WHO's request for information on October 6, stating that no recent case of plague had been reported in the oblast. However, Russia reportedly placed around 200 contacts of the deceased in quarantine. Tedros said WHO had requested details of the laboratory tests conducted on the deceased and the contacts, information on what prompted the public health measures, and updates on the health status of those under quarantine.
WHO has also sought verification of reports of a second employee suffering from pneumonia of undetermined cause. The organisation has offered technical support related to plague and lab biosafety and biosecurity. Tedros emphasised that timely, complete, and transparent information sharing under the International Health Regulations is essential to clarify conflicting reports and enable an accurate assessment of potential public health risks.
In addition to the situation in Russia, Tedros provided an update on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Confirmed cases have reached 8,665, with 4,178 confirmed deaths. While there are signs that the epidemic is slowing in some areas, transmission continues to increase in others. Approximately 2,000 alerts are being reported daily, and around five million people have been reached through community engagement activities since the outbreak began.
Tedros also reported on the situation in Kenya, where a case of Ebola was confirmed in a Kenyan citizen who contracted the disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and subsequently travelled to Nairobi. The patient was isolated on arrival, and Kenyan authorities are monitoring 55 contacts. Tedros commended Kenya for its prompt response and timely notification of WHO, and advised against blanket travel and trade restrictions.
On other health issues, Tedros announced new guidelines addressing the rising prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents globally. The guidelines recommend structured changes to diet, behaviour, and physical activity, as well as guidance on pharmacological treatment, bariatric surgery, and weight-loss devices. WHO also launched a global roadmap on hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, which accounts for around 16% of maternal deaths globally.
Finally, Tedros announced plans to mark World Mental Health Day on October 10, focusing on the lived experiences of people with mental health conditions. WHO will launch a practical guide to help countries transition from institutionalised care to person-centred mental healthcare in communities, with greater respect for patients' rights and choices.
Key points
- WHO seeks clarity on suspected pneumonic plague death in Russia
- Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo continues to spread
- WHO launches new guidelines on childhood obesity and roadmap on hypertensive disorders in pregnancy
