Russia Reports No Plague Cases Among Contacts of Deceased Lab Worker

Russia’s health watchdog said no cases of plague have been detected among people who came into contact with a 28-year-old laboratory worker who died last week. The woman, who worked at a Siberian plague research institute, died from pneumonia of an undetermined cause, prompting precautionary measures and international concern.

Authorities said extensive testing found no microorganisms linked to the woman’s work, while no infectious diseases have been reported among staff at the institute over the past 10 days. A hospital in Shelekhov was placed under quarantine, with around 200 people reportedly affected initially. Officials said 60% of those quarantined had since been released, and no contacts had shown symptoms.

The case has drawn attention from international health officials and US authorities. The World Health Organization said Russia had not yet formally responded to its request for information, while WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said all known contacts had been identified and were being monitored. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia appreciated an offer of assistance from US President Donald Trump.

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