A sudden lab death in Russia puts health experts on alert.
A 28-year-old scientist died after working at a disease research center in Siberia. Now, health agencies around the world are watching closely to see what happened.
Reports say a broken glass tube may have caused the infection.
The worker, Darya Shipilova, reportedly broke a glass vial containing the bacteria while at work. She got sick right away and passed away just days later.
Nearly 200 people were quickly isolated to stay safe.
Officials locked down the research building and isolated several hospital rooms. Around 190 people who were near the patient are being tested and monitored.
Pneumonic plague is the most dangerous form of the disease.
Most people know about the plague from history books. But while the common type attacks swollen lymph nodes, this rare type goes straight into the lungs.
It is the only plague that spreads from person to person through the air.
Unlike common plague spread by flea bites, pneumonic plague can pass to others through tiny droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Fast treatment is needed within the first 24 hours.
Marked by high fever, severe chills, and sudden breathing distress, the disease is almost universally fatal if untreated. However, standard antibiotics remain highly effective when given right away.
Mixed messages from officials caused confusion.
Russian health agencies first called it an unknown lung illness, while other officials mentioned plague. International groups like the WHO stepped in to verify the facts.
Doctors say the risk to the public remains very low.
Because this accident happened inside a secure lab and everyone in contact was tracked down immediately, experts say there is little chance of a wider outbreak.
Plague bacteria still live in wild animals today.
The plague never completely vanished. It still lives quietly in wild rodents across parts of Asia, Africa, and the western US, which is why scientists continue to study it.