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Russian plague lab researcher dies of unknown infection
Published : Monday, 5 October, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Observer Online Report
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A 28-year-old laboratory technician at a Russian research institute specialising in plague and other infectious diseases has died after developing pneumonia of unknown origin, prompting quarantine and anti-epidemic measures in the Siberian region of Irkutsk.
The woman worked at the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia in Shelekhov. Russia’s consumer and infectious-disease watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, said no microorganisms linked to her professional duties were detected in samples taken from her and described the epidemiological situation in the region as stable.
However, Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev said Rospotrebnadzor chief Anna Popova travelled to the region for an extraordinary meeting of the regional anti-epidemic commission over a suspected case of a particularly dangerous infection. The hospital where the woman was treated has been placed under quarantine, while several departments have suspended admissions and discharges.
Unofficial reports have said nearly 200 people are under observation. Regional authorities said all recent contacts of the deceased are being tested and examined, while no infectious disease cases have been reported among staff at the institute during the previous 10 days.
The institute has declined to comment on the incident. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged people to rely on official statements from Rospotrebnadzor rather than rumours and speculation.
The possibility of pneumonic plague has been raised by some officials and experts, although the infection has not been confirmed as plague. The head of neighbouring Buryatia, Alexei Tsydenov, said the employee had possibly died from plague, while former Rospotrebnadzor chief Gennady Onishchenko said the infection was most likely not plague.
Virologist Angela Rasmussen told that pneumonic plague is deadly but is not highly transmissible and generally requires exposure to a high bacterial load. Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and can be treated with antibiotics, although it can have a high fatality rate if untreated.
The Anti-Plague Institute, according to its website, employs around 95 researchers and is responsible for monitoring and preventing outbreaks of high-risk bacterial and viral infections across Siberia and Russia’s Far East. A US State Department spokesperson said Washington was monitoring the situation with the CDC and other agencies, while urging Russian authorities to share accurate information quickly and openly.
- MaT
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