US closely monitoring case of lab worker who possibly died of plague in Siberia

The US is closely monitoring the case of Darya Shipilova, a 28-year-old laboratory worker in Siberia who died last week. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said the US is watching the situation closely but does not believe it poses an immediate threat. Shipilova worked at the anti-plague institute in Irkutsk and became ill at work, dying two days later.

It is unclear how she became unwell, though unconfirmed reports suggest she may have been infected at the laboratory. The institute has been placed under quarantine, with staff forced to sleep on the floor. Other hospitals in the area have also implemented quarantine measures. Officials have released conflicting information, with some suggesting Shipilova died of plague while others say she died of pneumonia of unknown cause.

Despite the lack of a confirmed diagnosis, precautionary measures have been introduced across the region, including restrictions on public events and mask requirements at industrial sites.