The Donald Trump administration is reportedly monitoring a suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia after an anti-plague laboratory worker died following a reported exposure to the pathogen.
Russia Investigates Suspected Plague Case
Daria Shipilova, 28, worked at an anti-plague research institute in Russia’s Irkutsk region. Local reports said she broke a test tube containing the pneumonic plague pathogen on Sept. 25, Axios reported on Sunday.
Shipilova was hospitalized four days later with severe pneumonia and died between Oct. 1 and Oct. 2.
Following her death, authorities quarantined several medical facilities and placed nearly 200 people who had contact with her under medical observation.
Irkutsk Gov. Igor Kobzev said those being monitored had shown no symptoms and tested negative.
Plague Diagnosis Remains Unconfirmed
Russian media reports have raised concerns that Shipilova may have contracted pneumonic plague. However, Russian health authorities have not confirmed the diagnosis.
The country’s public health agency described her condition as “unknown” pneumonia and said subsequent testing found no microorganisms linked to her laboratory work. Officials said the region’s epidemiological situation remained stable.
White House Monitoring Developments
A Trump administration official told the publication that the government is “monitoring the outbreak” and “assessing options.”
White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says plague is a serious bacterial disease that can be treated with antibiotics when diagnosed promptly.
Pneumonic plague affects the lungs and can spread between people through respiratory droplets.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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