WHO seeks answers from Russia after plague lab worker's death

The World Health Organization is seeking clarification from Russia after a 28-year-old lab technician at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute died of severe pneumonia on October 2, raising concerns about a possible plague exposure. Russian authorities deny any laboratory accident or plague case. The technician, identified as Darya Shipilova, was hospitalized around September 29. Russian officials attribute her death to pneumonia of undetermined cause, stating tests found no pathogens linked to her work. Dozens of contacts were monitored and released, with authorities declaring the situation stable. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump, are monitoring the case, with Trump saying he will speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin. WHO has requested further data on the pathogen and reports of a second ill employee.