Russian Researcher, 28, Dies at Anti-Plague Institute as U.S. Monitors Possible Outbreak
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 6
Russian Researcher, 28, Dies at Anti-Plague Institute as U.S. Monitors Possible Outbreak
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 6
Summary
Darya Shipilova, 28, died after developing pneumonia of undetermined origin at Russia's Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute, prompting the Trump administration to press Moscow for transparency and monitor any wider risk.
Russian authorities said tests found no work-related microorganisms in her body, and the WHO said no plague or other high-threat pathogen had been detected among close contacts, with about 60% tested so far.
Marco Rubio cited reports of a broken test tube containing a deadly pathogen, while biosecurity experts said the unexplained cause of fatal pneumonia in a young lab worker remains unusual even if plague is ruled out.
Marshall Billingslea linked the case to past claims that Soviet scientists worked on antibiotic-resistant plague in Irkutsk, though U.S. officials and experts said no connection between Shipilova's death and any bioweapons program has been confirmed.