Russia says no epidemic risk after death of Siberian anti-plague lab worker

Russian authorities say there is no epidemic threat after a laboratory worker died in Siberia. The WHO, the European Union and the United States have requested more information from Moscow.

The employee of the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute died after pneumonia of unknown origin, Russian authorities said. Local outlet Lyudi Baikala earlier reported that the 28-year-old woman may have contracted pneumonic plague after a test tube broke. That account has not been officially confirmed.

The WHO says it still lacks enough information to determine the cause of death. The Associated Press reported that Russia’s public health watchdog told the agency tests found no evidence of any pathogen the woman worked with. The WHO has requested further information. Mongolia ordered increased monitoring at its border on Wednesday.

Russian authorities denounced reports of plague as false and said there was no epidemic threat to the public. Franceinfo reported that international calls for transparency continue. No confirmed plague cases have been reported.