Russian plague institute worker dies of pneumonia; US offers aid

A worker at a Russian anti-plague research institute in eastern Siberia died Thursday after being hospitalized with severe pneumonia, prompting nearly 200 people to be placed under medical observation. Initial reports suggested she may have contracted pneumonic plague. The 28-year-old Darya Shipilova reportedly fell ill after a work trip to Buryatia, with early accounts claiming she broke a vial of plague bacteria. Russia's public health watchdog later diagnosed her with "pneumonia of unknown etiology," finding no work-related microorganisms, though officials initially and subsequently modified statements about plague as a possible cause. US President Donald Trump expressed concern Monday, calling plague "a big problem for Russia" and offering US assistance. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said authorities were monitoring the situation, while the Kremlin urged the public to rely on official reports rather than speculation.