Russian lab worker's plague death: Experts see low risk of wider spread

Russian authorities are investigating the death of a Siberian laboratory worker from an unexplained respiratory infection, with unconfirmed reports suggesting pneumonic plague. Experts say the disease is treatable with antibiotics and unlikely to spread widely. Pneumonic plague is not easily transmitted and requires close, face-to-face contact for spread via respiratory droplets, according to Dr Glenn Wortmann. He said there is little chance of it spreading widely in Russia or reaching the United States. Experts advise exposed individuals to self-isolate and take antibiotics. Simon Clarke noted plague bacteria remain present in wild animals globally, stressing the disease persists beyond historical associations with the Middle Ages.