EP: 159 Russia Plague Scare: Lab Researchers

A 28-year-old researcher at an anti-plague laboratory in Russia has died after developing severe pneumonia, prompting quarantine and medical monitoring of nearly 200 people who may have come into contact with her. Russian authorities say there is no confirmed plague outbreak and have described the illness as pneumonia of unknown origin. But questions about possible laboratory exposure, conflicting reports, and concerns about transparency have fuelled speculation. Here is what we know, and what remains unconfirmed.

The U.S. is closely monitoring a potential case of pneumonic plague in Russia after a laboratory worker who studied the disease fell ill and died. Russian authorities insist there is no cause for alarm, but officials have imposed quarantines and other measures at several medical facilities in Siberia. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Annie Jacobsen, author of "Biological War: A Scenario."