"If the Russians are hiding something": The professor analyzing the fear of pneumonic plague

Prof. Hagai Levin assesses that the risk of pneumonic plague spreading from Russia to the world is low, but warns of uncertainty surrounding the case at the research institute. According to him, a scenario of antibiotic-resistant bacteria requires Israel to prepare, while emphasizing the shortage of public health doctors and skilled laboratories in the country.

Prof. Hagai Levin, a public health expert, was interviewed on 103FM about the concern over an outbreak of pneumonic plague in Russia. He assesses that the risk of spread outside Russia is low, unless the Russians are hiding information. Levin explains that effective antibiotics exist for the disease, but warns of a scenario of resistant bacteria, which could lead to a major problem. He calls on Israel to prepare for reference scenarios including plague, anthrax, and bioterrorism, while emphasizing the shortage of public health doctors and skilled laboratories in the country. Levin notes that pneumonic plague is contagious and dangerous, with symptoms resembling pneumonia, and can be contained through patient identification, isolation, and treatment. He expresses regret that the issue is not on the political agenda ahead of the elections.