Health experts address unconfirmed plague claims in Russia

Infectious disease specialist Mino Moharez has addressed recent media reports regarding a potential plague outbreak in Russia. She noted that while claims have circulated online suggesting a death linked to the disease, no official scientific sources or international bodies, such as the World Health Organization, have confirmed an outbreak.

Moharez explained that plague is a bacterial disease typically transmitted from animals to humans via rodents and infected fleas. Some reports suggested a transmission through respiratory means involving a laboratory worker, but precise information remains unavailable. She cautioned the public against unverified social media claims and emphasized that while the disease was historically devastating, it has been largely eradicated globally.

Symptoms of the bubonic form include swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin, and the disease can also affect the lungs. Moharez advised citizens to rely on official health ministries and scientific authorities for accurate information rather than unconfirmed media reports.