World · Singapore Bureau
Russia denies second case linked to Siberian plague laboratory
Moscow's health authorities have rejected reports of a secondary infection stemming from a plague research facility in Siberia, following the death of a laboratory worker last week.
LSN Singapore ·
Russia's federal health regulator dismissed claims on Thursday that another person had contracted illness after exposure to a deceased employee at a plague research institute in Siberia.
The denial comes days after a laboratory worker at the facility died, prompting international concern about biosafety protocols at the research centre. Authorities had initially reported the worker's death but provided limited details about the circumstances.
The health regulator's statement appears aimed at containing public alarm about potential disease spread beyond the laboratory. Plague remains a rare but serious infectious disease, though cases linked to research facilities are extremely uncommon in modern times.
Russia's response underscores ongoing scrutiny of biosafety standards at scientific institutions conducting research on dangerous pathogens. The country has faced previous questions about transparency regarding incidents at high-security laboratories studying infectious diseases.
No additional details about the deceased worker or the circumstances of death have been disclosed by Russian authorities.