
The World Health Organization requested more information about the death of an employee at a Russian plague research lab, while Russia stated the woman died of pneumonia of unknown origin and denied any health emergency.
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The World Health Organization monitors global health threats and has expressed interest in understanding the cause of death at a Russian facility researching plague, a historically significant pathogen.
Russia says there's no health emergency after a death at plague research institute\n\nListen · 2:30 2:30\n\nThe World Health Organization says it wants more information on what caused the death of an employee at a Russian plague research lab. Russia says the woman died of pneumonia of unknown origin.\n\nNPR does not offer or accept money for coverage or interviews.\n\nAnyone who makes such an offer or request is not an NPR employee and does not represent NPR.

A 28-year-old Russian researcher studying plague in a Siberian lab died of pneumonia of unknown origin, prompting quarantine of 200 contacts and WHO criticism of Russia's incomplete assurances, while experts detail pneumonic plague's dangers and historical quarantine practices.

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