Russia plague outbreak: What is pneumonic plague caused by Yersinia pestis? White House monitors situation
A suspected plague case in Russia has drawn attention after a 28-year-old laboratory worker died following a reported incident involving a live bacterium. Nearly 200 people who came into contact with her have been placed under medical observation.
Russia plague outbreak (REUTERS)The White House is also monitoring the situation, Axios reported, although Russian health authorities have not confirmed that the woman had plague. The administration official said the Trump administration “is aware, monitoring the outbreak, and assessing options,” as per Axios.
According to The Moscow Times, a worker at an anti-plague laboratory in Siberia died, and nearly 200 people were placed under isolation.
As per Axios, Daria Shipilova, 28, worked at an anti-plague research institute in the Irkutsk region. Local reports said she broke a test tube containing the pneumonic plague pathogen on September 25.
As per Lyudi Baikala, she reportedly told medical staff that she broke a test tube containing live bacteria while collecting samples.
Shipilova first became sick while on an expedition with other workers near Russia's eastern border with Mongolia.
She was admitted to a hospital on September 29 with severe pneumonia. She died overnight between October 1 and October 2.
Khushi Arora is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she writes for the US Desk, covering everything happening in the United States, while maintaining quality and delivering impactful stories across all beats. She previously worked at Zee News for over a year where she explored multiple beats including News Desk, Education and Lifestyle. With a background in English Literature, Khushi blends sharp research with thoughtful storytelling, shaping stories that go beyond headlines and bring clarity and credibility to every piece she writes. Beyond the newsroom, she enjoys reading, watching cinema and loves having long conversations about books, films and everything in between.Read More
