Russian lab worker's plague death under scrutiny as WHO investigates

independent.co.uk —

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is in "very deep discussions" with Russia about the death of a Siberian lab worker from suspected pneumonic plague, promising more information soon. The World Health Organization is investigating reports of a second possible death, which remain unverified. Darya Shipilova, a 28-year-old lab assistant at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute, died on 2 October after reportedly breaking a test tube containing Yersinia pestis. Nearly 200 people are under medical observation, and several hospitals have been quarantined for three weeks, though Russian authorities deny a lab leak. Scientists have questioned the test tube explanation, noting staff wear protective suits. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Russia to share information transparently, while WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus requested complete data under international health rules. The institute, founded in 1934, also monitors biological terrorism threats.


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