Unknown Virus Leaks From Russian Lab

An unidentified virus reportedly leaked at a Russian laboratory specialising in dangerous pathogens in Siberia, killing a 28-year-old technician and placing nearly 200 people under medical isolation.

The outbreak occurred at the Anti-Plague Research Institute in Shelekhov, near Irkutsk, where the employee, identified in local media as Darya Shipilova, worked as a laboratory technician.

She died on October 2 after being diagnosed with “pneumonia of unknown etiology,” according to Russia’s federal consumer safety watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor.

According to independent regional outlet Liudi Baikala, Shipilova told medical staff she had accidentally broken a test tube containing live biological samples while collecting samples for testing on September 25.

She reportedly fell ill while on a field expedition with other workers near Russia’s eastern border with Mongolia.

She was hospitalised on September 29 with severe pneumonia and placed on a ventilator. She died overnight between October 1 and 2.

Russian authorities have not confirmed that a test tube broke.

It was also reported that expanded testing of samples found no microorganisms linked to the woman’s professional activities and that no accidents involving pathogenic microorganisms had been recorded at the institute.

Liudi Baikala reported that at least 197 people who may have had direct or indirect contact with the technician were placed under medical isolation, with more than 100 monitored in hospital wards.

Quarantine measures were introduced at several Irkutsk hospitals, including City Hospitals No. 1, 3 and 10, and a children’s hospital.

A maternity facility in Shelekhov was also placed under quarantine.

An aluminium plant near the laboratory instructed employees to wear masks as a precaution.

The plant’s director, Artem Fominikh, said “there are many rumours and conflicting reports circulating,” but added that “all identified close contacts are under medical supervision. At present, they show no signs of the disease, and their laboratory test results are negative”.

A US State Department spokesperson told CNN Sunday that it is aware of the possible death due to pneumonic plague in Russia.

“We are monitoring the situation closely with the CDC and our other interagency partners,” the spokesperson said.

“Many details have not been confirmed. We encourage Russian authorities to share accurate information quickly and openly.”