The World Health Organisation (WHO) is investigating reports of a second suspected plague case in Russia, as concerns grow over the death of a lab worker earlier this month. The WHO chief has urged Russia to be transparent about the incident.
Lab worker death and quarantine
A 28-year-old lab worker, Darya Shipilova, died on October 2 after allegedly breaking a test tube containing the pathogen of the pneumonic plague, according to Russian media. Dozens of people have been quarantined and several hospitals in Siberia have been shut as a precaution, reports claimed.
Russian officials have denied speculation that Shipilova died of plague and rejected claims of a widespread lockdown. Around 60 of her co-workers have remained under quarantine inside the research facility since Friday, sleeping on makeshift beds, chairs and office floors while health officials conduct testing, Russian media reported.
WHO calls for transparency
On Tuesday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged Russia to be transparent about Shipilova's death. He wrote on X: “Timely, complete and transparent information sharing under the International Health Regulations is essential to clarify conflicting reports and enable an accurate assessment of potential public health risks.”
He also said the global health body has sought answers from Russia following “reports of a second employee with pneumonia of undetermined cause”. Comparable restrictions have been reportedly introduced at five hospitals, where patient visits by family members have been suspended.
Kremlin and US response
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov appealed to the public to disregard speculation and instead follow updates issued by Russia's health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor. The agency stated that the situation in Irkutsk remains under control and that no additional infectious disease cases have been detected among employees at the institute.
US President Donald Trump said he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon about the death of the lab worker. He said: "So far we are in very deep discussions," adding that he would be able to report on his talks with Putin "probably" on Thursday.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the information from Russia was "still quite limited". He said: "Maybe there's nothing there. Maybe it's bigger than we thought. We don't know." A State Department spokesperson confirmed it has "officially requested additional information from the Russian government."
Pneumonic plague facts
According to the WHO, pneumonic plague develops rapidly, with an incubation period that can be as short as 24 hours. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, the disease can quickly become life-threatening. Infection can occur through bites from infected fleas, direct contact with contaminated bodily fluids or materials, or by inhaling respiratory droplets from an infected person. Common symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain and a severe cough, often producing blood-stained mucus.
