US 'watching closely' after plague researcher dies in Russia, Rubio says

What the report says

The United States is monitoring the death of a Russian lab technician at a plague research centre in Siberia, according to remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported by BBC World News. Rubio said officials were watching the situation closely because of concern that an infection could potentially spread, while also saying there was no immediate cause for alarm.

Russian officials have said the woman died after what was described as pneumonia of undetermined cause. Irkutsk governor Igor Kobzev said testing had not found microorganisms linked to the institute’s work in her biological samples. He also said health authorities had not identified any other staff members needing medical care after her death. Russia’s consumer watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, said it inspected the Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia and the Far East in Irkutsk and found no emergency at the site.

BBC World News reported that unconfirmed accounts had suggested the woman may have become ill after handling a test tube or during a field visit in a plague area. Russian media also said nearly 200 contacts were being monitored as a precaution. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged people to rely on official statements rather than rumours.

The case has drawn attention because plague still exists in some regions, including parts of Siberia where rodents can carry Yersinia pestis. In general, the pneumonic form can spread between people and requires prompt treatment, which helps explain the caution from both Russian and US officials.