Russia withholds details on suspected plague case in Siberia as global concern grows

bostonherald.com —

Russian authorities are withholding information about the Oct. 2 death of a lab worker in Siberia, suspected by unconfirmed reports of pneumonic plague, while state media has avoided the topic amid global concern. The worker, identified as 28-year-old Darya Shipilova, died at a hospital in Shelekhov after being admitted Sept. 29 with cold symptoms. Russia's health watchdog says she had pneumonia of unknown origin, with tests finding no pathogens from her work at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute. A hospital has been quarantined and contacts are being monitored. Russia has told the World Health Organization no plague case was registered, though WHO has requested more details. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he may discuss the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon. Officials report two COVID-19 and two rhinovirus cases among contacts, with no other pathogens found.


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