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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Plague Bacteria Linked to Death of Scientist

University of Chicago geneticist exposed to weakened strain

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(Newser) – A 60-year-old researcher at the University of Chicago died earlier this month from an infection that may have been set off by the bacteria that causes the plague. Malcolm Casadaban was working with a weakened strain of the bacteria that is normally harmless, and the CDC has been called in to investigate why he died. The university says that there is no threat to the public but has offered antibiotics to about 100 acquaintances of the victim.

Genetics researcher Malcolm Casadaban died Sept. 13 after being exposed to a weakened form of the bacteria that causes plague.
Genetics researcher Malcolm Casadaban died Sept. 13 after being exposed to a weakened form of the bacteria that causes plague.   (AP Photo/University of Chicago Medical Center)
Plague is extremely rare in the United States, with about 15 cases reported annually.
Plague is extremely rare in the United States, with about 15 cases reported annually.   (©kaibara87 (away for 1 month!))
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Timinator2K
Sep 22, 09 10:31 AM CDT
Like juggling nitro-glycerin with slippery hands. Sorry, poor fellow, not a good way to go. RIP. Reply
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