Russian health agency denies plague link to lab death

Russia’s state health surveillance body, Rosprotrabnadzor, has rejected any connection between the worker’s death and the plague pathogen studied at the institute. The agency classifies the fatal case as a pneumonia of unknown origin.

According to the agency, extensive testing failed to locate any trace of the bacteria that the laboratory routinely handles. The statement contrasts with early media speculation that a laboratory accident might have exposed the employee to Yersinia pestis.

Russian officials assert that all relevant information has been shared with WHO through standard reporting channels, and they urge the public to rely on official communications.