Russia Denies Plague Cases After Irkutsk Laboratory Worker’s Death

Russian authorities told the World Health Organization that no plague cases had been recorded in Irkutsk after the death of a 28-year-old employee at the city’s anti-plague research institute prompted international concern.

The worker, identified in reports as Darya Shipilova, died on October 2 after becoming ill. Russia’s health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, said she died from pneumonia of undetermined origin and that testing found no microorganisms linked to her work. It denied reports of a laboratory accident.

Authorities identified and placed people who had contact with Shipilova under medical observation. Rospotrebnadzor said tests detected two COVID-19 infections and two rhinovirus infections but no plague or other dangerous infectious pathogens. The WHO has said the apparent risk to the general population is low.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia had informed the WHO according to established procedures and accused media outlets of circulating false information. Conflicting early accounts had fueled concern: the head of neighboring Buryatia initially said Shipilova died of plague, then amended his statement to say she had possibly died from the disease.

The United States formally requested more information from Moscow, according to reports citing a person familiar with the matter. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Russia to provide greater transparency and said Washington could offer assistance if needed. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow also issued a health alert advising Americans in the region to follow local guidance and avoid affected facilities, while reiterating the existing Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Russia.