Russia Accused of Covering Up Plague Leak

Russian authorities are facing accusations of covering up a suspected plague leak after a 28-year-old researcher at an anti-plague institute died in Siberia. Nearly 200 people were placed under observation, while a hospital was quarantined and events canceled. Officials have described the illness as a dangerous infection, while reports identify it as plague. An epidemiologist questioned the official explanation that a broken test tube caused the infection, intensifying concerns over transparency. Authorities say contacts remain symptom-free and tests are negative.