Russian researcher dies after suspected plague lab accident in Siberia

A researcher in Siberia has reportedly died of a suspected plague infection following a laboratory accident, prompting Russian authorities to respond with exceptional measures. The 28-year-old woman worked at the Irkutsk Antiplague Research Institute and died two days after being hospitalized with severe pneumonia. The woman reportedly told medical staff she accidentally broke a test tube containing live bacteria while collecting samples. Russian officials have not confirmed the cause, though media reports suggest pneumonic plague, the only form transmissible between people. About 200 hospital contacts were placed under observation, and a quarantine was imposed at a maternity hospital. Authorities have cancelled public events in Irkutsk and opened a criminal investigation into possible safety violations. A former health official said the infection was likely not plague, while the White House is monitoring the reports. No contacts have shown signs of illness, and all tests have come back negative.