US Monitors Potential Pneumonic Plague Case in Russia After Lab Worker's Death

The United States is monitoring a potential case of pneumonic plague in Russia following the death of a laboratory worker. The employee, who researched the disease, fell ill and later died. Russian authorities maintain there is no cause for alarm, but officials have implemented quarantines and other measures at several medical facilities across Siberia.

Journalist Geoff Bennett discussed the situation with Annie Jacobsen, author of "Biological War: A Scenario." Jacobsen's book examines scenarios involving biological warfare.

Russian officials have not publicly identified the deceased laboratory worker or the specific facility where they worked. They have also not released details regarding the exact nature of the illness or the circumstances surrounding the death beyond stating it was a potential case of pneumonic plague. The implemented quarantines aim to prevent any potential spread of the disease within the affected regions of Siberia.