Nearly 200 People Under Observation After Irkutsk Lab Worker Dies from Plague

Nearly 200 people in Irkutsk, Siberia are being monitored for possible plague exposure after a lab worker died from the disease, according to regional officials. The woman, believed to be 27 or 28 years old and employed at the Irkutsk anti-plague institute, passed away on Thursday following a hospitalization for severe pneumonia.

Her death was confirmed by Buryatia's leader, Alexei Tsydenov, who stated the infection was unrelated to the region. The worker reportedly broke a test tube containing live bacteria while collecting samples, leading to her hospitalization on Tuesday. At least 197 others who may have had contact with her have been placed under medical isolation, with no signs of illness reported so far.

Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev urged the public to remain calm as health authorities investigate the incident.