Russia says no plague pathogens found after Siberia lab worker's death

Russian authorities downplayed reports of a suspected plague outbreak after a lab worker died in Siberia, saying tests found no pathogens linked to her work. The cause of death was pneumonia of undetermined aetiology, according to regional officials. The 28-year-old worker at an anti-plague institute in Irkutsk died under undisclosed circumstances, prompting quarantine of around 200 contacts. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged reliance on official statements over speculation, while President Donald Trump offered US assistance, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was no cause for alarm. Pneumonic plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is the most virulent form and can spread person-to-person via respiratory particles. Untreated cases can be fatal, but recovery rates are high if treated within 24 hours of symptom onset.