Siberian plague lab worker, 28, dies of unknown pneumonia; officials rule out outbreak

A 28-year-old worker at an Anti-Plague Research Institute in Shelekhov, Siberia, died from pneumonia of unknown origin, prompting a Russian investigation and special regional measures. Officials stress there is no outbreak. The worker was diagnosed with "pneumonia of unknown etiology" by Rospotrebnadzor, which says the situation in the Irkutsk region remains stable. Close contacts are under medical supervision and show no symptoms, with negative lab tests. Concerns about pneumonic plague have been raised, though a former Rospotrebnadzor head says it is "most likely not the plague." An aluminium plant has asked employees to wear masks, and unverified reports say nearly 200 people are being monitored.