I'll be dropping in as guest lecturer for the @universityoflou.bsky.social 's Black Death class on Thursday. This was arranged weeks ago, but I'll be obligated now to include the Russian plague story. I've asked the students in advance to learn the term "ascertainment bias." Lots of aDNA + History!
![Four Key Points of Arizona Republic article:
[1] A Russian lab worker's death from a suspected case of pneumonic plague has led to thousands being quarantined.
[2] Pneumonic plague is the most dangerous form and can be transmitted between people through respiratory droplets.
[3] While rare in the United States, a man in Arizona died from pneumonic plague in 2025 after likely exposure to sick domestic cats.
[4] Experts say Americans should remain calm but vigilant as many details about the Russian case remain unconfirmed.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:twqucin7jqhlteuk37lqltr7/bafkreianj2umncgnyq2mngl4nb5yaa4nc6rspkaishoeqafi3lmm253bs4)