Very low chance of ‘Siberian plague’ spreading to Malaysia
Health experts in Malaysia have stated that the risk of a 'Siberian plague' outbreak in the country is extremely low following a death in a Russian research laboratory. Authorities have confirmed the death was due to pneumonia and that the plague has been ruled out.
Why it matters
Public health communication is critical in preventing panic regarding potential international disease outbreaks, even when the actual risk is minimal.
PETALING JAYA: Russia has ruled out a plague on its territory after a Siberian plague research laboratory worker died of an unknown pneumonia and her contacts had to be isolated.
That has fuelled global concerns of a Siberian plague but experts say whether there is a plague or not, the risk of transmission is relatively low in Malaysia right now.
Dr Malina Osman of Universiti Putra Malaysia said at this point the case in Siberia appears to be an isolated one.
“While global surveillance related to the issue has been initiated, the risk of transmission of the disease to Malaysia is relatively very low. I believe our international borders are safe under continuous surveillance by our expert team from the Health Ministry,” said the Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the university’s Department of Community Health.
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18 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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