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Mysterious Lab Worker Death at Russian Anti-Plague Institute Draws US Concern
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News18•05-10-2026, 14:03
Mysterious Lab Worker Death at Russian Anti-Plague Institute Draws US Concern
- •A 28-year-old laboratory technician at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute in Siberia died following an illness officially diagnosed as pneumonia of unknown cause.
- •Russian health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor reported that sample tests found no microorganisms associated with the worker's professional activities.
- •Local officials raised the possibility of the plague, prompting regional anti-epidemic commission meetings and precautionary measures including quarantines.
- •Nearly 200 people were placed under medical observation and local industries advised workers to wear masks as rumors spread.
- •The United States and the CDC are closely monitoring the situation, urging Russian authorities to share accurate information openly.
Key Questions Answered
An incident involving a suspected dangerous infection release occurred at the institute, following which a 28-year-old laboratory technician named Darya Shipilova fell ill and died after being diagnosed with pneumonia of unknown cause.
The possibility of plague was publicly raised by Alexei Tsydenov, the head of neighbouring Buryatia, while regional officials noted an extraordinary anti-epidemic commission meeting regarding a suspected particularly dangerous infection.
The United States is monitoring the situation closely through the CDC and interagency partners because of reports that the worker may have died from pneumonic plague, and Washington has encouraged Russian authorities to share accurate information quickly.
