Russian lab worker's death may have involved plague, authorities investigating

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 7 Oct, 03:48 · Archive

A scientist in Siberia died after possible exposure to plague bacteria in a lab accident.

A scientist in Siberia died after possible exposure to plague bacteria during a lab accident. Russian media reported the incident, though Russian officials downplayed it, attributing the death to pneumonia of unknown origin.

Authorities are investigating whether plague played a role in the death. Health experts say the odds of plague spreading are very low, and the risk to the public remains minimal.

How it is being reported

• Medical experts on plague risks after reported death of lab worker in RussiaA scientist in Siberia died after possible exposure to the plague bacteria during a lab accident, according to Russian media. Russian officials downplayed the reports, saying she died of a "pneumonia of unknown origin." Health experts spoke with CBS News to discuss the risks posed to the public and what people should know about the reports.CBS News · 7 Oct, 03:12
• You Probably Aren’t Going to Get the PlagueThe death of a lab worker in Russia has authorities looking at whether plague played a role. Even if it did, though, the odds of it spreading are very low.Wired · 7 Oct, 00:09

In this story: Russia · Siberia

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