Russia plays down plague fears and denies lab accident, says scientist died of "pneumonia of unknown origin"

TL;DR

Russian officials are downplaying reports of a scientist's death potentially due to plague exposure from a lab accident.
The state health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, denied any accident and stated the scientist died of pneumonia of unknown origin.
Initial reports and some regional officials had suggested the scientist, Darya Shipilova, died of pneumonic plague after breaking a test tube with the bacteria.
Rospotrebnadzor conducted testing on individuals who had contact with the scientist, finding no dangerous pathogens.
The World Health Organization believes the public health risk is low, and the U.S. Secretary of State views the situation as a cause for focus, not alarm.

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