A former White House COVID-19 response coordinator has expressed concern over the death of a researcher working at a Russian laboratory investigating pneumonic plague, calling the incident alarming. The official highlighted that U.S. health and security agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are closely monitoring the situation. The statement underscores growing unease over potential risks linked to high-containment biological research. Questions remain about whether this case signals broader safety lapses in pathogen research facilities.
Dr. Deborah Birx, the former White House COVID-19 response coordinator, said the death of a researcher working at a Russian lab studying the pneumonic plague was “concerning” to her. “This is particularly concerning, and I know why the White House, State Department and CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] are very much aware and...
