# Plague Panic in Siberia

> Lab worker's death sparks plague fears in Russia's Irkutsk region.
- Title: Plague Panic in Siberia · euronews | Shortify
- Summary: Lab worker's death sparks plague fears in Russia's Irkutsk region. A lab worker in Irkutsk died after accidentally breaking a plague test tube, triggering…
- Keywords: irrkutsk, plague, lab worker, pneumonia, quarantine, russian government, news, world, politics, Panic, Siberia, euronews
- Source: euronews — https://euronews.com/2026/10/04/has-plague-returned-to-siberia-panic-in-russia-after-death-of-lab-worker
- Author: Alexei Doval
- Published: 2026-10-04T15:07:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: irrkutsk, plague, lab worker, pneumonia, quarantine, russian government, news, world, politics
## Panic spreads in Irkutsk
Residents of Russia's Irkutsk region are deeply worried by rumours of a possible outbreak of pneumonic plague after a lab worker's death.
## Lab worker dies in hospital
Darya Shipilova, a 28-year-old laboratory assistant, died in the early hours of 2 October after breaking a test tube containing plague pathogen.
## Quarantine measures begin
Around 200 people were placed under strict medical observation, and several Irkutsk hospitals closed due to the incident.
## Initial response delayed
Authorities initially avoided using the word 'plague' and described the situation as 'a particularly dangerous infection' on 2 October.
## Pneumonia of unknown cause
Rospotrebnadzor confirmed the death was from 'pneumonia of unknown aetiology' with no plague-related microorganisms found.
## Panic continues
Residents reported wearing protective gear, and social media fears grew despite officials stating the situation was stable.
## Key takeaway

A lab worker in Irkutsk died after accidentally breaking a plague test tube, triggering quarantine and panic over pneumonic plague risks.