Russian Scientist’s Death Raises Concerns Over Plague Exposure

Russia’s government sought to minimize concerns following media reports of a female scientist’s death from exposure to the plague in Siberia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Rospotrebnadzor, the state health watchdog, was handling the situation. He encouraged the public to rely on information from its qualified professionals.

The scientist, identified as Darya Shipilova, 28, worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute, located more than 2,500 miles east of Moscow. Reports suggest that Shipilova died of severe pneumonia after a lab accident in late September involving a test tube containing plague bacteria. The World Health Organization confirmed her death occurred overnight into October 2.

The bacteria involved, yersinia pestis, is infamous for causing the Black Death, which devastated Europe in the 1300s. Spread by fleas on rodents, this pandemic resulted in 25 million to 50 million deaths. Untreated infections of the pathogen lead to swelling, fever, and potentially death.

“Shipilova’s death from pneumonic plague, which affects the lungs causing fever and bloody cough, highlights its transmissibility between people and its fatal potential,” noted reports.

Alexei Tsydenov, head of Russia’s eastern Republic of Buryatia, initially confirmed Shipilova’s plague-related death, later adding “possibly” in his statement, according to independent media Lyudi Baikala. Other officials similarly revised communications, initially advising against visiting the town of Shelekhov, before retracting the warnings.

Rospotrebnadzor performed “anti-epidemic measures,” testing nearly 200 contacts of Shipilova, finding cases of colds and COVID but no dangerous pathogens. The agency also denied any lab accident and attributed Shipilova’s death to “pneumonia of unknown origin.”

A WHO spokesperson suggested the public health risk remains low. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented that despite the alarming reports, they warrant focus rather than alarm due to limited U.S.-Russia travel.

Rubio emphasized monitoring the situation, ensuring attention to any developments. Reported contributions by Jennifer Jacobs.