Plague case in Siberia: Experts see no epidemic risk

A researcher in Siberia died of suspected pneumonic plague after an accidental lab exposure, but experts say there is no evidence of an epidemic. The case is under investigation, with around 200 contacts identified and tested negative so far. The 28-year-old researcher, Daria Shipilova, reportedly broke a test tube containing the pathogen on September 25 and died on October 2. Experts stress the need for transparency and data sharing, while noting effective antibiotics exist. Russia's health agency says the diagnosis remains "pneumonia of undetermined etiology" and has ruled out lab incidents. Experts say there is no immediate health risk to Italy or Europe, but the case highlights the importance of lab biosafety and disease surveillance. They emphasize that ancient pathogens like Yersinia pestis still require vigilance, though the message is not that "the plague is back."