Concerns over the spread of infectious diseases have led to a surge in pharmaceutical and diagnostic stocks on the domestic market following the news of a staff member's death at a Russian plague research institute.
As of 10:46 a.m. on October 7, International Pharmaceutical saw its stock rise by 1,020 won (29.91%) to reach the upper limit of 4,430 won. Humasis increased by 745 won (28.60%) to 3,350 won, while Green Cross MS rose by 705 won (21.30%) to 4,015 won. HLB BioStep traded at 4,515 won, up 80 won (20.88%).
These stocks have been highlighted in online communities due to their production of antibiotics used for plague treatment, attracting significant buying interest. The uncertainty surrounding the cause of the Russian researcher's death appears to have heightened investor sentiment towards infectious disease-related stocks.
According to foreign media reports, a researcher at the Siberian plague institute in Russia was hospitalized with severe pneumonia after breaking a test tube containing plague pathogens on September 25 and died between October 1 and 2.
Plague can be treated with antibiotics if detected early, but without appropriate treatment, it can lead to death within 1 to 6 days after onset.
The U.S. government is also monitoring the situation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that there is an obligation to share more information with the world regarding the recent death of the plague researcher in Russia, indicating that discussions are ongoing.
Russian authorities have quarantined approximately 200 individuals who had contact with the researcher and are conducting an epidemiological investigation.
However, assessments indicate that the risk of an infectious disease outbreak has not yet materialized. The World Health Organization (WHO) has evaluated the public health risk associated with the Russian researcher's death as currently limited.
According to AFP and Reuters, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier stated during a briefing on October 6 that the initial risk assessment rated Irkutsk as 'medium to low,' the entirety of Russia as 'low,' and the WHO European region as 'very low.'
Lindmeier explained that Russian authorities are monitoring the health status of all individuals who had contact with the deceased, and so far, no one has shown symptoms of the disease. However, he noted that Russian authorities have not officially responded to WHO's request for information regarding the connection between the cause of death and the plague.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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