Russia Plays Down Plague Fears and Denies Lab Accident

Russia’s public health watchdog says a 28-year-old technician at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute died of pneumonia of unknown origin, not from a pathogen handled at work. Officials deny accidents involving dangerous materials and say testing found no microorganisms linked to her duties. Nearly 200 contacts remain under medical observation, but none has reportedly developed symptoms and tests have been negative. Local authorities say the regional situation is stable, while conflicting media reports continue to fuel public concern about exposure.