Russia quarantines Siberian hospital after plague institute worker dies of pneumonia

Russian authorities have quarantined a hospital in Siberia following the death of a 28-year-old lab worker from pneumonia of unknown origin, amid unconfirmed reports of a possible pneumonic plague leak from an Irkutsk research institute. Officials deny any link to workplace pathogens. The woman, Darya Shipilova, worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute. Regional officials have placed contacts under medical observation and implemented anti-epidemic measures, while the WHO assesses the public health risk as low. The Kremlin urges reliance on official statements over speculation. No approved vaccine for pneumonic plague exists, though Israeli scientists in 2025 reported an mRNA vaccine they claim is 100% effective in animal trials. The WHO notes untreated pneumonic plague can be fatal within 18-24 hours but is treatable with early antibiotics.