Twenty residents of Russia's northern Yamal-Nenets autonomous district have tested positive for anthrax, the TASS news agency reported Tuesday.
A 12-year-old boy became the first to die from the disease on Monday. It is believed that he contracted the illness by eating infected reindeer meat.
The current anthrax outbreak is the first time that the disease has been seen in the region since 1941. Ninety people are currently under observation in local hospitals in stable conditions. Eight of the confirmed anthrax cases are now ready to be discharged, TASS reported.
Parts of the district were placed under quarantine
by the authorities on July 25 after an outbreak of anthrax killed
more than 1,000 of reindeer. Some 2,349 of the animals are believed to have died as of Monday. The sudden outbreak was likely
caused by an infected reindeer carcass melting due to unusually
high temperatures in the region.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
