Researcher at Russian Plague Laboratory Dies of ‘Unknown’ Infection

A 28-year-old laboratory technician at Russia’s Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute died after developing severe pneumonia of unknown cause, prompting authorities to monitor nearly 200 contacts. Reports say she may have accidentally broken a tube containing live plague bacteria, but officials have not confirmed the pathogen or how she became infected. A hospital in Shelekhov was quarantined, while public events were canceled and Russia’s chief health official traveled to the region. Authorities said contacts remained symptom-free and initial test results were negative.