An employee at a Russian plague research facility in the Irkutsk region of Siberia has died from a suspected infection, according to statements from regional officials. The woman, identified as a 28-year-old laboratory technician, worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East.
Alexei Tsydenov, governor of the neighboring Buryatia region, announced the death via his Telegram channel, stating the woman had “died, maybe of the plague.” He noted that authorities had confirmed she had not traveled to his region. Russia’s consumer watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, described the case as involving “pneumonia of unknown aetiology” and reported expanding laboratory testing of samples from the patient. The agency stated that initial testing found no microorganisms associated with the woman’s professional duties at the institute.
Authorities in Irkutsk have placed nearly 200 people under medical observation in response to the incident. Pneumonic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is typically found in small mammals and their fleas. The World Health Organization notes that the infection is highly contagious and can be fatal without prompt treatment.
The United States Department of State stated it was “monitoring the situation closely with the CDC and our other interagency partners.” A State Department official called on Russian authorities to “share accurate information quickly and openly” regarding the case.
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