The mysterious death in Russia worries the US: "Evidence of a possible cover-up"

A 28-year-old laboratory worker in Russia died after breaking a test tube containing the plague pathogen, leading to approximately 200 people being placed in isolation. The White House is aware and monitoring with concern. A senior epidemiologist calls the story "ridiculous" and sees it as evidence of a possible cover-up.

A 28-year-old laboratory worker at the Anti-Plague Research Institute in Irkutsk, Siberia, died after breaking a test tube containing the plague pathogen. About 200 people who had contact with her were placed in isolation, and an entire hospital was closed. Russian authorities refuse to confirm it is plague, calling it "pneumonia of unknown cause." The White House stated it is aware of the reports and is monitoring the situation with concern. Senior Russian epidemiologist Mikhail Favarov cast doubt on the official version, calling it "ridiculous" and "evidence of a possible cover-up." The regional governor canceled public events but refused to identify the disease.