Darya Shipilova, a 28-year-old laboratory technician at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute in Siberia, died after developing pneumonia of unknown origin, prompting health measures and international concern. Authorities have not officially confirmed that plague caused her death.
Following Shipilova’s death, the hospital where she reportedly received treatment was placed under quarantine, while around 200 people who had contact with her were placed under medical observation, according to local reports. Authorities also carried out testing to determine whether there was any risk of infection.
Concern increased because of Shipilova’s workplace, an institute dedicated to studying and monitoring high-risk infectious diseases. Reports also circulated about a possible trip to Buryatia or a potential laboratory incident, but neither theory has been officially confirmed.
Buryatia Governor Alexei Tsydenov said the woman may have died from plague, while the U.S. State Department said it had received reports of a possible fatal case of pneumonic plague in Russia.
However, the World Health Organization and Russian health authorities have said the cause of Shipilova’s death remains unconfirmed. U.S. officials are monitoring the case alongside the CDC and other agencies.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the situation requires attention and monitoring, but indicated that he does not currently consider it a reason for alarm.
