Plague concerns in Russia: Is Azerbaijan at risk?

Reports of plague in Russia’s Irkutsk Region have raised concerns in Azerbaijan. Following reports that one person had died of the disease and that people who may have been in contact with them were quarantined, questions have emerged about the possibility of the disease spreading to Azerbaijan.

“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports that the Health Ministry’s Center for Control of Especially Dangerous Infections said reports about plague in Irkutsk Region are being monitored.

The ministry said there is currently no need to introduce additional restrictive measures related to plague in Azerbaijan.

“There is currently no need to introduce additional restrictive measures related to plague in Azerbaijan. At the same time, the epidemiological situation is being continuously assessed, and if necessary, relevant measures can be strengthened promptly,” the center said.

No plague cases recorded in Azerbaijan in the past 50 years

The Health Ministry said no cases of plague have been recorded in Azerbaijan over the past 50 years.

The epidemiological situation in the country is currently stable and remains under the supervision of relevant authorities, it said.

The ministry also said sanitary and epidemiological monitoring of people arriving in Azerbaijan from Russia is carried out in line with existing requirements.

If a suspected case is identified, samples taken from the patient can be tested at the Health Ministry’s Center for Control of Especially Dangerous Infections.

The center is equipped with the necessary equipment and supplies to detect plague and other especially dangerous infections and conduct epidemiological surveillance, the ministry said.

How does plague spread?

According to the Health Ministry, plague is primarily a naturally occurring infection. It is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.

In nature, plague circulates mainly among rodents and fleas. People can contract the disease primarily through contact with infected animals or fleas.

The pulmonary form of the disease can also spread through respiratory transmission.

Can plague be treated?

The ministry said plague is a treatable disease. Early diagnosis and timely medical intervention are important for treatment.

Based on the information currently available, there is no cause for particular concern among the population in Azerbaijan.

The Health Ministry advised citizens to rely only on information about plague published by official sources.