WHO Says Experts in High-Risk Pathogens Are Available as It Awaits Details on Russian Lab Worker’s Death

The World Health Organization says it has experts specializing in high-risk pathogens, particularly plague, as it awaits further information about the death of a Russian laboratory worker.

Maria Van Kerkhove, an epidemiologist and head of the WHO’s epidemic and pandemic preparedness department, said the organization did not yet have a complete picture of the case.

Van Kerkhove said more information was needed about the worker’s death. Her comments did not establish a cause of death or identify a pathogen involved.

The WHO’s reference to its expertise in plague and other high-risk pathogens does not, on its own, confirm a connection between those pathogens and the case. The circumstances remain unclear pending further details.