US monitoring situation after death of laboratory worker in Russia

A worker at a plague research institute in Russia's Irkutsk region has died after being diagnosed with pneumonia of unknown origin. Amid reports of a possible pneumonic plague infection, US authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation.

The deceased was a 28-year-old employee of the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East. According to Associated Press and other media, the woman died after being hospitalized with severe pneumonia.

Media reports suggested that prior to her illness, the worker might have come into contact with the plague pathogen Yersinia pestis in the laboratory. In particular, it was reported that a test tube containing biological material might have been damaged. This version has not been officially confirmed yet.

Russia's consumer protection watchdog said the illness is believed to be "pneumonia of unknown etiology." According to the agency, tests did not detect the microorganisms associated with the deceased's professional activities. Russian authorities also have not confirmed any laboratory accident.

Despite this, anti-epidemic measures were introduced in the region. According to media reports, about 200 people who may have had contact with the patient are under medical observation. Quarantine restrictions were imposed in several medical facilities.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said American authorities are closely monitoring reports of a suspected case of pneumonic plague. He emphasized that at this stage he sees no cause for alarm, but the situation requires control.

The US State Department clarified that monitoring is being carried out jointly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal agencies. Washington also called on Russian authorities to promptly disclose reliable information about the incident.

Pneumonic plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Unlike the more common bubonic form of the disease, it affects the lungs and, through close contact, can be transmitted from person to person via respiratory droplets. If detected early, the disease can be treated with antibiotics.

At present, there are no confirmed data on a plague outbreak in the Irkutsk region. The cause of death of the laboratory worker officially remains unknown, and reports of her infection with the plague pathogen continue to be investigated.