U.S. and WHO Urge Russia for Transparency After Lab Worker Dies of Suspected Plague in Siberia

A laboratory worker at a Russian plague research institute in Siberia died of an unidentified pneumonia, with reports suggesting possible pneumonic plague infection, prompting international concern. The U.S. and World Health Organization have urged Russia to provide transparency and information. The 28-year-old technician, Darya Shipilova, died on October 1 at a hospital in Shelekhov, near Irkutsk. Local media reported she may have contracted pneumonic plague after spilling a test tube containing live bacteria, though Russian authorities denied any lab accident and found no plague pathogens in her samples. About 200 contacts have been quarantined, with tests showing only common cold viruses and COVID-19, no plague cases. Pneumonic plague can be fatal within one to six days if untreated. Russian officials held an emergency meeting, while President Trump offered assistance and Secretary of State Rubio called for transparency.