Plague fears in Russia put UK and neighbors on alert

Fears are growing that a possible plague outbreak in Russia could spread beyond the country's borders, with experts warning that the UK should be on alert. The concerns follow the mysterious death of a Russian lab worker in Siberia. Daria Shipilova, a 28-year-old laboratory employee, died after becoming seriously ill in Shelekhov, Siberia, sparking suspicion of pneumonic plague. Russian media reported she may have broken a test tube containing deadly bacteria at the Anti-Plague Research Institute in Irkutsk, though authorities deny this and cite "pneumonia of unknown etiology." Neighboring countries like Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia have tightened border controls, while the White House says it is monitoring the situation. Nearly 200 people have been isolated or placed under observation, and five hospitals are under restrictions. Experts note Russia's history of drastic quarantine measures and its controversial Soviet-era biological weapons program, with some suggesting the lack of transparency is concerning.