Did a Russian lab worker die from pneumonic plague? What we know — and don't know

A 28-year-old lab worker in southeastern Russia has died of pneumonia, sparking fears she may have contracted the pneumonic plague from her workplace. While officials haven't confirmed the cause of death, the incident has raised concerns about lab safety and biosecurity. This situation highlights the critical need for stringent biohazard protocols and underscores the potential risks faced by those working with dangerous pathogens. The uncertainty surrounding the cause of death also reflects broader gaps in global biosecurity oversight.