Russian lab worker dies of suspected plague in Siberia; experts urge monitoring

Dozens of people are quarantined in Siberia after a Russian lab worker died from suspected pneumonic plague, though authorities say tests found no evidence the illness came from pathogens she worked with. The 28-year-old researcher fell ill on September 30 and died two days later. About 200 contacts have been quarantined, with no new cases reported. Russian officials describe the death as pneumonia of unknown cause and say the situation is controlled. Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, remains endemic in Siberia, with 1,000-2,000 global cases yearly. Pneumonic plague is severe and can spread person-to-person, though last documented transmission was in 1924. Experts urge monitoring and biosecurity investment.