Russia tightens quarantine amid fears of a plague outbreak

Strict lockdown in Russia due to concerns over an outbreak of the plague. It started with lab worker Daria Shipilova, who was infected and died within just two days. Dozens of workers have been placed in isolation, and five hospitals are under quarantine, due to concerns that Shipilova was infected with pneumonic plague.

In addition, there are disturbing reports of men walking around in protective suits and temperature checks being conducted on those flying to Moscow from the area. Meanwhile, the authorities in Russia are trying to keep the entire affair quiet, as they do not refer to the cause of Daria's death as plague but rather as a severe infection.

The US Secretary of State also addressed the incident, saying that there is no cause for concern in the US, but they are monitoring the situation. US President Donald Trump also addressed the incident, stating, "This is a big problem for Russia," and offered assistance, "We will help anyone who has such a problem; we are always ready to help."

As previously reported, the lab technician, who was about 28 years old, worked at the Antiplague Research Institute in Irkutsk, and apparently contracted the disease after a test tube containing the bacterium that causes the disease broke during her work on September 25. Four days later, she was hospitalized in the nearby city of Shelekhov with severe pneumonia.

Two days later, she died.

The hospital where Shupilova was hospitalized was placed under quarantine, and at least 197 people who may have come into contact with her were put in medical isolation, including more than 100 patients admitted to the hospital wards. Additionally, local authorities canceled public events planned in the city of Irkutsk, and law enforcement agencies opened a criminal investigation on suspicion of health and safety violations that led to death.