Rubio Says Suspected Plague Death In Russia Is Not Cause For Alarm

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that the US does not believe a suspected plague-related death at a Russian research facility is currently a cause for alarm, while Washington continues to monitor the situation.

Daria Shipilova, a 28-year-old researcher, died at a hospital in Shelekhov. Authorities in Russia’s Irkutsk region held an emergency meeting on October 2 and placed about 200 people under medical observation after reporting a suspected case of a highly dangerous infectious disease.

Staff at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute were reportedly isolated as authorities investigated. Local businesses also introduced precautionary measures. If confirmed as plague, the case would be Russia’s first since 2016. Rubio said many details remain unconfirmed.

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Marco Rubio says Russia plague could 'quickly spread' and is 'cause for focus' as fears of outbreak mount https://t.co/FiQ9VEMAJm

— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) October 5, 2026

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Russian Authorities Probe Death Of Researcher At Plague Institute

The researcher’s recent contacts are being tested, while unofficial reports said nearly 200 people were under observation.

tippinsightsTIPP Staff