"Crawl to the cemetery": Russia reacts to rumors of plague
After the death of a 28-year-old laboratory assistant in Siberian Shelekhov, local residents distrust official statements about pneumonia of unknown origin and are buying up antibiotics. Authorities deny a link to the deceased's work but have isolated those who came into contact with her. Sarcasm about official euphemisms is spreading on social media.
In Siberian Shelekhov, after the death of 28-year-old laboratory assistant Daria Shipilova, rumors of plague are spreading. Authorities, represented by Rospotrebnadzor, claim pneumonia of unknown origin and deny a link to the deceased's work, but those who came into contact with her have been isolated. Local residents interviewed by CNN and the independent outlet Lyudi Baikala express distrust of official versions. Pharmacies in Irkutsk report a surge in demand for antibiotics, masks, and antiseptics. Residents report disinfection of building entrances by people in protective suits. A sarcastic post on Telegram mocking official euphemisms suggests calling a possible plague "pneumonia of unknown origin" and telling the sick to "crawl to the cemetery." An anonymous doctor doubted the possibility of quickly identifying the pathogen. The article relies on foreign and independent sources, providing no official comments from Russian authorities beyond a brief statement from Rospotrebnadzor.