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4 October 2026 · 12:55 (source time zone unspecified)

The official diagnosis was pneumonia of unknown etiology

On October 4, Rospotrebnadzor, Russia’s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, described Darya Shipilova’s diagnosis as pneumonia of unknown etiology. The agency reported extensive testing of patient samples, with negative results for the microorganisms she worked with.

Darya Shipilova
Darya Shipilova. Photo credited to People of Baikal, published by TV Rain on 6 October 2026. The photographer and date of photography are not stated. Source ↗

According to the press office, two commissions found no accidents at the anti-plague institute. This officially rejects the broken test-tube allegation, although the commissions’ reports and laboratory logs are absent from the available source material.

Among contacts, the agency reported two detections of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and two of rhinovirus. These are not Shipilova’s own test results and do not automatically explain the cause of her death.

Test-system names, sample types, collection dates, methods and individual reports have not been published. The agency’s general statement does not replace a final medical certificate.

New aggregate testing figures appeared on October 7, while the international organization requested further information.

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