U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Russia to disclose more information about the death of a lab worker at a Siberian plague research facility, as concerns over a potential pneumonic plague outbreak grew. The death of Darya Shipilova, a technician at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute, has led to widespread quarantine measures and public anxiety.
Rubio, speaking in Iceland, emphasized the need for transparency, noting the death occurred after a suspected lab accident involving a test tube containing plague-causing bacteria. Russian officials have been evasive, with the Irkutsk Oblast Governor stating the region's health situation remains stable, despite conflicting statements and information control.
The U.S. has pledged support to Russia in managing the outbreak, with President Trump vowing to assist. However, Russian authorities have imposed strict quarantines and medical observations, with at least 200 people under scrutiny, raising questions about the true nature of the incident and potential risks of a wider outbreak.