A plague research employee in Russia died from an unknown cause. Here's what we know

NPR | By Charles Maynes,

Leila Fadel

Published October 6, 2026 at 3:49 AM CDT

There are more questions than answers regarding the death of a plague research lab employee last week in Siberia. Here's what we do and don't know.

Charles Maynes

Leila Fadel

Leila Fadel is a host of Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

Public media depends on you.

Your support keeps Prairie Public strong and independent, serving communities across our region with programs that educate, involve, and inspire.

Donate