WHO probes second possible plague case after Russian lab worker's death

The World Health Organization is investigating reports of a second possible pneumonic plague case in Siberia following the death of a Russian laboratory worker, while pressing Moscow for full transparency. Global health officials are seeking clarity on the incident. Twenty-eight-year-old technician Darya Shipilova died on 2 October after being admitted to hospital with acute respiratory failure. Local media reported she was exposed to a pathogen after breaking a sample tube, though epidemiologist Mikhail Favorov disputed this account, calling it implausible given protective equipment protocols. A second individual with severe pulmonary distress reportedly died at an Irkutsk facility, though unverified. Nearly 200 contacts remain isolated, and WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged Russia to share all information under international health regulations.