Kremlin Says Russians Should Ignore "Rumors" On Possible Plague Outbreak In Siberia

What happened: The Kremlin urged Russians to ignore rumors about a possible plague outbreak in Siberia, saying only Rospotrebnadzor statements should be trusted. This followed the death of a laboratory worker near Irkutsk. Key numbers: Worker diagnosed with pneumonia of unknown origin; hospital quarantined Oct. 2; Interfax report Oct. Why it matters: The regional governor said biopsy testing found no microorganisms tied to her work and called the situation stable. The U.S. State Department said it is monitoring reports of a suspected fatal pneumonic plague case.

The Kremlin urged Russians to ignore rumors about a possible plague outbreak in Siberia, saying only Rospotrebnadzor statements should be trusted. This followed the death of a laboratory worker near Irkutsk.

The regional governor said biopsy testing found no microorganisms tied to her work and called the situation stable. The U.S. State Department said it is monitoring reports of a suspected fatal pneumonic plague case.