Countries tighten border controls as Russia battles ‘pneumonic plague’ outbreak

Russian authorities have imposed quarantine measures at hospitals and a research institute in Siberia following the death of a scientist suspected of contracting pneumonic plague.

The Daily Mail reported that Darya Shipilova, 28, died after falling ill while working at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute. About 200 contacts are reportedly under medical observation.

Several hospitals have entered quarantine, while more than 60 institute workers remain isolated. However, Russia’s health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, insists there is no confirmed plague outbreak.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “One should rely on official statements from Rospotrebnadzor rather than listening to various rumors and speculation.”

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have tightened health controls amid concerns.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was monitoring developments.

“I don’t think it’s cause for alarm, but it is cause for focus and a cause to just keep an eye on it. And we’re doing that,” Rubio said.