Russia's Plague Lab Death: Should We Fear a New Pandemic?

A suspected case of pneumonic plague in Russia's Far East has sparked global concern after a person died from the disease. The incident has raised questions about the risks posed by one of the world's oldest and most feared infectious diseases. In this DW News segment, Anthony Howard speaks with Dr. Amesh Adalja, a scholar at the Johns Hopkins University's Center for Health Security, to assess the severity of the situation. Dr. Adalja calls on Russian authorities to release more information about the case, including how the individual contracted the disease and whether there are additional cases. He explains that pneumonic plague, while serious, is treatable with antibiotics if caught early. The conversation also covers how the disease spreads and what health officials know so far. As the world remains vigilant against emerging infectious threats, this case highlights the importance of transparency and rapid response. The interview provides expert insight into whether this isolated incident could escalate into a wider outbreak.