Russia Denies Second Plague Case Amid Global Concerns

Russia’s public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, has denied reports of a second suspected case of pneumonic plague following the death of a lab worker in Siberia. The agency stated that extensive testing found no evidence of plague among those who had contact with the deceased worker, Darya Shipilova, 28, who worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute. According to Rospotrebnadzor, Shipilova died of pneumonia of unknown origin, and no relevant pathogens were found in anyone who came into contact with her.

The WHO has urged Russia to provide more information about Shipilova's death, as global concerns swirl about the potential outbreak. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO director of Epidemic and Pandemic Management, emphasized the need for timely and regular information from Russian authorities. The U.S., EU, and WHO have all called on Russia to be transparent about the situation. US President Donald Trump offered assistance to Russia but noted that microbes and germs have become stronger over time.

Russian state TV and other national state-controlled media have largely steered clear of the subject, with some news outlets withdrawing earlier reports about the case. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed much of the media reporting as false information, urging people to rely on official statements from Rospotrebnadzor. The CDC described the risk to the United States from the suspected pneumonic plague case as “extremely low” but is working with other agencies to monitor travelers from the affected region.

The Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute, where Shipilova worked, studies dangerous pathogens, including plague. The institute’s work extends beyond research on well-known bacteria to include planning and preparation for incidents involving potential agents of bioterrorism. Reports in Chinese and Western media have noted collaboration between the facility's director and Chinese authorities, including participation in a joint emergency drill.

The situation has drawn comparisons to past lab accidents and the COVID-19 pandemic, with experts urging caution and transparency. The WHO initial risk assessment estimates the risk to be moderate to low for Irkutsk, a low risk for Russia as a whole, and very low for the WHO European region. Russian authorities have implemented precautionary measures, including quarantining hospitals and monitoring contacts of the deceased worker.

As of Wednesday, authorities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan had confirmed the implementation of additional precautionary measures at their borders with Russia to guard against the possible spread of infectious diseases. The lack of definitive answers from Russian authorities has led to continued questions and concerns from the international community.