Russia Denies Plague Death Report; US Offers Help
Russian authorities have downplayed reports of a plague death after a laboratory worker died in Siberia, with the Kremlin urging journalists to rely on official statements rather than speculation. The 28-year-old woman died last week in Irkutsk, reportedly after working with highly infectious pathogens at a plague control institute, possibly from a broken test tube. Governor Igor Kobsew said an autopsy found pneumonia of unknown cause, with no plague microorganisms detected in her samples. Up to 200 contacts were reportedly quarantined, though officials say the epidemiological situation is stable. The United States is monitoring the situation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging vigilance and President Donald Trump offering Russia assistance.