A Russian scientist died after breaking a test tube containing the pneumonic plague pathogen
Quick Look
- 28-year-old Daria Shipilova from the Research Institute in Irkutsk broke a test tube with the pneumonic plague pathogen on September 25, fell ill with severe pneumonia and died on October 2.
- The Russian authorities introduced a quarantine and observed approximately 200 people, but did not confirm plague infection, citing pneumonia of unknown etiology as the cause.
- The US is monitoring the situation in cooperation with the CDC.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Plague is an acute infectious disease with three main forms: bubonic, pneumonic and septic. The last case of plague in Russia occurred in 2016 in Altai Krai. Outbreaks of the disease persist in Mongolia, where 137 outbreaks were identified in 2023 in 17 regions, including areas close to the border with Russia.
She broke a test tube with the pneumonic plague pathogen
On September 25, 28-year-old Daria Shipilova, who worked at a research institute for the treatment of plague in the Irkutsk Oblast, Russia, broke a test tube containing the pneumonic plague pathogen. This information was reported by local Russian media, quoted by Axios.
On September 29, the woman was admitted to hospital with symptoms of severe pneumonia. She died on the night of October 1-2.
After her death, the authorities introduced a quarantine in several medical facilities in the region and placed under medical observation about 200 people who had contact with Shipilova.
Governor of the Irkutsk Oblast, Igor Kobziev, said that the people under observation did not show any symptoms of the disease and the results of their tests for the disease were negative.
Russian authorities say it's not the plague
Russian media suggested that Shipilova may have contracted pneumonic plague, but the sanitary authorities did not confirm this diagnosis.
Russia's public health agency said Shipilova was diagnosed with "pneumonia of unknown etiology" and further tests found no evidence of microorganisms related to her work. The agency assured that the epidemiological situation in the region remains stable.
United States reaction
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State told CNN on Sunday that authorities were "closely monitoring the situation in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other agency partners."
"Many details have not been confirmed. We encourage Russian authorities to quickly and openly share accurate information," he added.
The Axios website also wrote on Sunday, citing a representative of Donald Trump's administration, that the White House "is aware of this situation, is monitoring the outbreak (of the disease) and analyzing the possibilities."
Plague is an acute infectious disease. Its main forms are bubonic, pulmonary and septic. The last recorded case of plague in Russia occurred in 2016 in Altai Krai.
Outbreaks of this disease persist in Mongolia. In 2023, 137 such outbreaks were identified in 17 regions of the country, including areas close to the border with Russia.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Russian authorities will publish a full report on the investigation into the incident at the research institute in Irkutsk.
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Did Daria Shipilova actually contract pneumonic plague after breaking a test tube?
- What were the exact results of the laboratory tests performed on samples taken from the deceased?
- Are there additional safety measures at Russian research institutes working with high-risk pathogens following this incident?
