In brief
A Russian laboratory technician died at a plague research centre in Siberia, sparking concerns in Washington that pneumonic plague could have been released. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States is "watching closely" but sees no immediate danger. Russian officials report no other illnesses and the safety team found no emergency situation. The case highlights the ongoing risk of Yersinia pestis, the bacteria behind the historic Black Death, and the importance of robust biosafety.
The United States is keeping a close eye on a recent death at a Russian plague‑research centre in Siberia.
Secreted State Marco Rubio said the incident could have exposed the world to pneumonic plague, but experts say it is not a cause for alarm. He added the U.S. is "watching closely" and wants to stay informed.
The worker, named Daria, died of "pneumonia of undetermined etiology". Tests from the Antiplague Institute found no trace of Yersinia pestis. No other staff have fallen ill and a Russian safety team found no emergency situation.
Yersinia pestis is the bacterium that caused the Black Death in Europe in the 14th century. It lives in wild rodents and can spread from person to person as pneumonic plague, but antibiotics can cure it if treated early. Scientists advise vigilance but not panic.
Yersinia pestis is still a real threat in parts of the world, and research facilities must keep high safety standards. Bio‑weapon speculation has been dismissed by many scientists as less likely than accidental release.
