Russia denies plague in Siberia lab worker death
Russia's health watchdog says no plague detected among around 200 people who contacted a lab worker who died.
A 28-year-old woman at a plague research institute in Irkutsk died Friday from pneumonia of unknown cause. Russia tested about 200 contacts as a precaution and found no plague, only COVID-19 and rhinovirus.
The health watchdog said no infectious diseases linked to her work appeared in any contact. Sixty per cent of quarantined people have already been released.
Local residents say life has barely changed despite international alarm, including concern from US President Trump.
- 28 years old
- Deceased worker age
- around 200
- People tested as contacts
- 2
- COVID-19 cases found
- 60 per cent
- Quarantined contacts released
Why it mattersClears the risk of a plague outbreak after a death at a high-security lab sparked global concern.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect. If plague were confirmed, Australia's quarantine and border protocols would activate.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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