Scientist's Mother Disputes Plague Leak Theory, Cites Russian Officials

The mother of a Russian scientist who died in a suspected plague outbreak in Siberia has contested reports that her daughter, Daria Shipilova, was infected after dropping a test tube, instead suggesting that Russian officials "simply let my daughter die."

Shipilova, 28, a laboratory assistant at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East, died on October 2 after falling ill. Russian media initially reported her infection stemmed from an accident involving a test tube containing a plague pathogen.

However, her mother, Svetlana Shipilova, a medical professional, told the Russian outlet Glubina that the scenario of a broken test tube was impossible. "I know the truth," she stated, pushing back against what she called "stupid acquaintances who believed all this." She further asserted, "Not even all medical professionals understand it’s impossible to break a test tube like that. Even if you fling it at the wall. Only an amateur could say something like that."

Shipilova’s mother insisted that the test tubes used in such work are highly protected, making it improbable to spill their contents or break the tubes. "They simply let my daughter die," she concluded.

Russian officials have been notably reserved about the circumstances of Shipilova's death, which they officially attributed to "pneumonia of unknown origin." This reticence has led to speculation among experts about the nature of the plague strain, with some questioning if it could have been a modified bioweapon. Robert Redfield, former CDC Director, commented to NewsNation that if Shipilova were working with an antibiotic-resistant strain, it could explain why treatments failed.

President Trump addressed the speculation, stating on Wednesday that while "we don't think so," the U.S. would seek to determine if a biological weapon was involved. He added, "we're going to find out soon enough."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Wednesday that Russia had reported the incident to the World Health Organization and followed international protocols, while accusing the media of disseminating false information. The World Health Organization and the United States are urging Moscow to provide greater transparency regarding the event. Following Shipilova's death, hundreds of individuals who had come into contact with her were placed under quarantine.