Russia denies plague outbreak in Siberia after US Embassy warning

Russia has reported no additional plague cases in Siberia following the death of a lab worker last week, while the US Embassy has urged American citizens to depart Russia immediately. The Russian health watchdog confirmed no infectious diseases among institute staff and found no work-related microorganisms in the deceased. The deceased, 28-year-old researcher Daria Shipilova, died on October 1 from what Russian authorities called "pneumonia of unknown origin" at an anti-plague institute in Irkutsk. Nearly 200 contacts were placed under medical observation, with about 60% released, and none showing illness. The US Embassy cited wrongful detention and security concerns for its travel advisory. Shipilova reportedly died of pneumonic plague, the rarest but most infectious form of the disease, with a near-100% mortality rate. Local authorities have urged Irkutsk residents to follow health guidance, avoid affected facilities, and seek care for fever or respiratory symptoms, while US citizens who traveled there should monitor their health for 14 days.