Dr K.A. Paul seeks an independent probe into a suspected plague case in Russia after a lab worker’s death, urging early action to prevent another pandemic
New Delhi: Global Peace Initiative founder Dr. K.A. Paul has urged an independent investigation into the death of 28-year-old Daria Shipilova, a laboratory technician at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute in Siberia, Russia, amid reports of a possible laboratory exposure to the bacterium that causes plague.
Shipilova died in Shelekhov on October 2 after developing severe pneumonia. Russian health authorities have not confirmed plague as the cause of death and have described the illness as pneumonia of unknown origin.
Reports have alleged that Shipilova may have been exposed to plague bacteria during a September 25 laboratory incident involving a test tube. However, Russian authorities have rejected reports of a laboratory accident and said they found no microorganisms connected to her professional work in her body.
Authorities have placed nearly 200 people who may have had contact with Shipilova under medical observation. So far, those monitored have reportedly shown no symptoms, while tests conducted to date have returned negative results. Officials have also said that the epidemiological situation in the Irkutsk region remains stable.
Against this backdrop, Dr. Paul has called for greater transparency and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Shipilova’s death.
“The world cannot afford another COVID-like crisis caused by delays, lack of transparency or failure to act early,” Dr. Paul said, stressing the need to establish what happened and take necessary precautions.
Dr. Paul also compared the situation with the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged governments, scientists and international health institutions to strengthen disease surveillance and respond quickly to unusual health events.
International attention has also grown around the developments in Russia, with reports suggesting that the White House is monitoring the situation. Russian authorities, however, continue to describe the regional health situation as stable.
Dr. Paul said the international community should not wait for a confirmed outbreak before strengthening preparedness. He also linked his warning to his broader calls for accountability over the COVID-19 pandemic and his international peace efforts.
He urged governments, scientists and public-health organisations to cooperate on emerging disease threats and geopolitical crises before they develop into larger global emergencies.
