Russia has reported no plague cases among people who came into contact with a 28-year-old laboratory worker from a Siberian plague research institute who died from pneumonia of an unknown origin. The development has drawn international attention as health authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.

Russia’s health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, said no plague infections or other infectious diseases had been identified among employees of the research institute in Irkutsk. Authorities also said testing of the deceased worker found no microorganisms associated with her professional laboratory activities.The woman died after developing pneumonia, but officials have not yet established its origin. Her death prompted precautionary measures, including the quarantine and monitoring of people who may have had contact with her.

Russia Rules Out Dangerous Diagnosis After Lab Death

Russia said a dangerous diagnosis had not been confirmed after the laboratory worker’s death. Local official Elena Sofina said around 60% of people quarantined as a precaution had been released, while media reports indicated about 200 people were initially quarantined. WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said all known contacts of the laboratory worker had reportedly been identified and were being monitored for possible symptoms.

None had shown symptoms of illness. However, Russian authorities had not officially responded to a WHO request for further information about the death.The case has also attracted attention from the United States. President Donald Trump described the situation as a significant problem for Russia and offered American assistance.Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed Trump’s offer, saying mutual assistance was positive, although he did not confirm whether Moscow would accept US support.