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

The United States is closely monitoring the case of a Russian laboratory worker who died last week after a reported incident at a plague research institute in Siberia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US is watching and monitoring the situation, emphasizing that it is not yet cause for alarm. Shipilova, a 28-year-old employee at the anti-plague institute in Irkutsk, became ill at work and died two days later at a regional hospital in the nearby town of Shelekhov.

The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, with unconfirmed reports suggesting she may have been infected due to a mishap at the laboratory. While Russian officials have not confirmed this account, they have placed the institute under quarantine, isolating over 60 people. Similar quarantine measures have been implemented in several other hospitals in and around the city.

The conflicting statements from Russian officials have fueled public concern, with some officials initially claiming Shipilova died from plague, later editing their post to say she "possibly" died of the disease. Russian health officials maintain that Shipilova died from "pneumonia of unknown aetiology" and that no micro-organisms linked to her professional work were found in tests.

The incident has prompted precautionary measures across the region, including a quarantine in several hospitals and the introduction of mask requirements at local facilities. Public events in Irkutsk have been canceled, and residents express worry and anger over the lack of clear communication from authorities.