A ZOMBIE PATHOGEN?
As far-fetched as the appearance of a zombie pathogen might sound, consider that thawing Siberian permafrost after a hot, dry summer led to a 2016 anthrax outbreak that killed a 12-year-old boy and more than 2,300 reindeer.
In 2023, scientists from France, Germany and Russia published a paper warning that the health risks of melting permafrost are very real and warrant further study. But with most of the world’s permafrost located in Russia, Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has complicated research partnerships and information sharing.
And as the lack of detail surrounding the suspected plague death demonstrates, it’s not at all clear that Russia would be forthcoming about any risk emerging from the permafrost.
As Tedros Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, wrote in an X post on Thursday (Oct 8) about the investigation of Shipilova’s death: “Timely, complete and transparent information sharing under the International Health Regulations is essential to clarify conflicting reports and enable an accurate assessment of potential public health risks”. That’s as true for zombie pathogens as it for plagues.
