Siberian lab death sparks plague fears, but Bay Area experts say risk is low

The death of a 28-year-old lab worker in Siberia from suspected plague has sparked pandemic fears, but experts say the risk is low and it is "not another COVID." Russian officials report the situation is stable, with no dangerous pathogens found in her contacts. UCSF's Dr. Peter Chin-Hong says plague is harder to spread than coronavirus and is treatable with known methods. Around 200 people are under observation, and at least three hospitals in the region have been quarantined, though Russia denies any lab accident and has not confirmed the cause of death. The woman worked at an institute studying plague, which occurs naturally in Siberian wildlife. Experts urge Russia to be more transparent, as U.S. officials offer help, but note modern antibiotics and living conditions limit the disease's potential to spread widely.