Plague remains deadly, but another Black Death is unlikely

A recent death of a laboratory worker in Siberia has raised concerns about plague, though the cause remains unconfirmed and public health risk is considered low. The worker, Darya Shipilova, died from severe pneumonia at an anti-plague research institute. Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, still occurs sporadically, mainly in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. While pneumonic plague can be fatal within 24 hours untreated, it is less transmissible than Covid-19 and can be treated with antibiotics. Experts say another Black Death pandemic is highly unlikely because modern medicine can quickly identify, treat, and contain outbreaks. The bacterium remains dangerous if missed, but humanity now has the tools to prevent widespread spread.