Russia and WHO downplay plague risk after Siberian lab worker's death

The World Health Organization says a possible pneumonic plague case in Russia poses a "very low" risk outside the country, following the death of a lab worker in Siberia last week. Russian officials are investigating the cause of death. Russian health authorities report no plague cases have been confirmed in the region, and all traced contacts tested negative for dangerous pathogens. The woman worked at an institute studying plague, which occurs naturally in local wild animals. The case has drawn international attention, with U.S. officials urging Russia for more transparency. Experts say the bacteria does not spread easily, and modern antibiotics limit its potential for wider transmission.