Plague threat prompts Germany to weigh travel restrictions to Russia
Photo: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (Getty Images)
The death of a researcher in a Russian laboratory in Siberia has raised concerns about the threat of a plague outbreak. Germany is demanding explanations from Moscow and has not ruled out imposing strict travel restrictions, states German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
The incident occurred in Irkutsk at the laboratory of the Anti-Plague Research Institute. One of the institute's employees died.
According to official statements from the Kremlin, the scientist's death was caused by pneumonia, but a second suspicious case has already been recorded in the region.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed concern over the situation and called on the Russian authorities to provide comprehensive information regarding the incident.
"The world has questions, and Russia must answer them," Wadephul emphasized.
The head of the German Foreign Ministry stressed that various security measures are being considered to protect Europe.
"We cannot and will not take risks," the minister stated, adding that he does not rule out imposing strict travel restrictions to Russia.
Earlier, information emerged about a possible plague outbreak in Russia. The mysterious death of an employee at an anti-plague institute and the introduction of quarantine measures have caused global concern, despite denials from Moscow.
At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine assured that there is no threat of the spread of plague in Ukraine. Ukrainian services and relevant agencies are closely monitoring the situation at the borders and controlling the state of epidemiological safety in the country.
