On Friday, 28‑year‑old Darya Shipilova died of pneumonia at the Irkutsk Anti‑Plague Institute, sparking fears of a plague outbreak in Siberia. The World Health Organization pressed Moscow for details on the cause of death, but the Russian regulator said no epidemic risk existed.
Rospotrebnadzor released data showing 4,900 of 5,000 lab tests returned negative, and 90% of workers in quarantine were released after the tests failed to detect any dangerous pathogens. Shipilova had been vaccinated, the agency added, though it did not disclose the pneumonia’s origin.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the vast majority of media reports were false and urged citizens to rely on official statements from Rospotrebnadzor. He added that Moscow was “really under control” of the situation.
US President Donald Trump said the United States was monitoring the outbreak and had arranged a call with President Vladimir Putin to exchange information. Trump added that the U.S. expects Russia to share more data with American health officials.
The WHO remains cautious, noting insufficient information from Russian authorities prevents a full risk assessment, and will review the latest data before deciding on any global health alert.