"Biological Weapon?" Fear Spreads... Calls for Immediate Disclosure Follow Successive Confirmations

Fears of the black death, or plague—widely considered the worst infectious disease in history—are spreading following the death of a researcher in their 20s at a plague research institute in Siberia, Russia, from severe pneumonia.

Nearly two weeks have passed since the researcher's death, but Russian authorities continue to remain silent, classifying the cause of death as "unknown."

Along with the possibility that the researcher was infected with pneumonic plague by bacteria leaked from a broken test tube, suspicions have been additionally raised that the institute may have handled mutant plague strains intended for biological weapons.

If mutant plague strains were handled for military purposes, their high fatality rate and resistance could neutralize existing quarantine networks.

In connection with this, The New York Times mentioned how Soviet authorities covered up an incident in the 1970s involving the leakage of anthrax spores from a secret Soviet military biological weapons facility.

Given the gravity of the situation, the World Health Organization urged Russia to immediately disclose information.

While Russia has yet to release a clear official stance despite such pressure, confirmed plague cases have also been occurring consecutively in Madagascar.

Madagascar's health authorities stated on the 13th that "four confirmed cases and five suspected cases have been identified near the capital and other areas."

Authorities added, "We have administered preventive medication to 200 close contacts and commenced flea control operations."

Madagascar is a region where the plague is endemic, transmitted by fleas and rodents. Without prompt treatment, there is a high risk of worsening into fatal "pneumonic plague," which allows for droplet transmission.

Experts advised that while it can be treated with antibiotics if detected early, the plague bacterium has not been eradicated from the earth, and global monitoring networks must continue to be strengthened.

South Korea's Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency stated, "The comprehensive domestic risk level regarding the current situation is 'low'," but added, "We plan to strengthen monitoring, focusing on inbound travelers with a history of visiting and staying in Russia who exhibit fever and respiratory symptoms."

(Reported by Lee Hyeon-yeong | Video by Seo Byeong-uk | Design by Lee Sumin | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.