EU and US monitor suspected plague outbreak in Siberia after lab worker death

The European Commission is closely monitoring a suspected pneumonic plague outbreak in Siberia, Russia, following the death of a lab worker on 2 October, and is ready to coordinate a response among member states if needed. The worker at the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute reportedly broke a test tube containing the plague pathogen, with her death attributed to pneumonia of unknown cause. Around 200 contacts have been placed under strict medical observation, though Russian authorities have not confirmed an outbreak. Brussels is using the World Health Organisation for updates due to restricted contacts with Moscow, while Washington has urged Russia to provide accurate information quickly. No emergency measures are planned, and the plague has been absent in Europe for over 50 years.