Siberia Lab Worker Death Sparks Plague Rumors; Russia Denies, Trump Offers Aid
A laboratory worker has died in Siberia, prompting speculation about a possible plague outbreak, but Russian authorities deny any biological incident and say the cause was pneumonia of undetermined origin. Daria Chipilova died in a hospital in Shelekhov two days after admission. Officials report no work-related microorganisms were found in her samples, though nearly 200 contacts were identified and 189 hospitalized for observation, with some official alert messages reportedly deleted. The Kremlin urges reliance on official statements over rumors, while US President Donald Trump has offered American assistance. Experts note plague cases occur annually worldwide but warn antibiotic-resistant strains could limit treatment options.