US probes possible plague case in Russia after Siberian lab worker's death

U.S. agencies are investigating the possible plague case in Russia following the death of a worker at an Irkutsk plague research institute and subsequent Siberian hospital quarantines. Officials say they have limited intelligence and cannot yet assess the threat to the United States. The Washington Post reported on September 5 that the CDC, State Department, and other agencies are seeking details, with Russian authorities providing little transparency. U.S. officials noted possible Russian security service involvement in hospital transports, though unconfirmed. Former pandemic officials called the situation "alarming," citing Russia's active biological weapons program. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington only has official Russian data, acknowledging concerns about potential domestic spread. Russian media reported 28-year-old Darya Shipilova may have broken a plague vial on September 25, dying on October 2. About 200 contacts are monitored, though tests have been negative and plague infection is unconfirmed.