Plague Scare in Russia Sparks Panic Buying After Researcher's Death

A suspected plague outbreak in Shelekhov, Russia, has triggered panic buying of antibiotics, masks, and hand sanitizer after a researcher died from an unknown infection, with 200 people now in quarantine. The 28-year-old lab worker, Darya Shipilova, died on October 2 at a plague research institute. Local authorities promised public guidance but have remained silent, while several official statements about the disease have been deleted or altered. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged Russians to ignore rumors and trust health officials, who say Shipilova had pneumonia of unknown origin. The White House is monitoring the situation, with President Trump offering US assistance.