“Based on unofficial information available, the public health risk to the general population appears to be low,” the spokesperson said, adding that the risk assessment will be updated once more information is available.
Asked about the communication with Russia, Hrncirova said the EU has “channels [on] how to get the information.” “We obviously would like to recall that timely and transparent reporting and access to reliable epidemiological and laboratory finding is essential,” she added.
Treatment
Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, usually found in small mammals and their fleas, according to the WHO. It has been absent from Europe for more than 50 years, said Hrncirova, though it continues to appear in the Americas, Africa and Asia.
Pneumonic plague is the most contagious form as it can pass from person to person via respiratory particles. Its incubation is relatively short, with symptoms — including shortness of breath and coughing — appearing usually within 24 hours after infection. Pneumonic plague is always fatal if left untreated.
“Pneumonic plague is particularly serious because it means the infection has reached the lungs,” said Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology and public engagement in science at the University of Reading.
Plague is treatable with common antibiotics, if diagnosed early. Hrncirova could not immediately say whether Europe has sufficient stocks of antibiotics.
“Countries have their stocks of antibiotics, and then we have reserves on the European level. But at this stage, I am not able to give you any numbers,” she said.
But “until more details emerge, it is difficult to assess whether this represents an isolated case, an occupational exposure, or evidence of wider transmission,” Clarke added. “Any outbreak of plague is worrying, but this can be controlled and stopped with appropriate surveillance and control measures.”
This story has been updated.