A 28-year-old laboratory worker, Darya Shipilova, has died in Siberia after falling ill at work following a reported accident at a plague research centre. Quarantine measures have been in place in several hospitals in eastern Russia since her death.
Death and official response
Russia’s health watchdog has said she died of ‘pneumonia of unknown aetiology’, but there is speculation about a possible plague infection. The case has prompted heightened concern in the region.
Context and coverage
The story has been covered by Lucy Hough in conversation with Science Weekly co-host Madeleine Finlay, with further details available in a video on YouTube. The incident has drawn attention to infectious disease risks in the area.
