WHO says low outbreak risk after Siberia lab worker dies

WHO says Russia faces low epidemic risk after lab worker death. On 6 October 2026, the agency said 28-year-old Darya Shipilova died two days after falling ill at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute. Spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said no wider outbreak was seen, with contacts monitored and showing no symptoms. Russia listed the cause as pneumonia of unknown origin.