Russian authorities have quarantined and placed hundreds of people under medical observation after a 28-year-old researcher linked to an anti-plague laboratory in Siberia died from severe pneumonia.
The researcher, identified in reports as Darya Shipilova, was admitted to hospital on September 29 after falling ill during a field expedition in Buryatia. She was reportedly placed on a ventilator but died two days later.
Reports claimed Shipilova had told doctors that she accidentally broke a test tube containing live bacteria while working at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute. However, Russian authorities have not confirmed that plague caused her death.
Nearly 200 people were reportedly quarantined at the hospital where she was treated, while precautionary measures were introduced at other facilities. Officials said identified contacts remained under medical supervision and had tested negative.
The case has raised concerns over a possible laboratory exposure. However, experts cited in reports have questioned whether the illness was actually plague.
Russian health authorities are investigating the incident, while officials have urged residents to avoid rumours. Pneumonic plague can affect the lungs and spread through respiratory droplets, but early antibiotic treatment can be effective.