When “Maybe” Becomes PLAGUE: Russia’s Not-Plague Plague Story | WTF Health News
A scientist at an anti-plague research institute in Siberia died from severe pneumonia. Early reports suggested pneumonic plague and a possible laboratory exposure.
And suddenly, we got a LOT of plague.
There was just one problem: we didn't actually know that she had it.
Now Russia says it wasn't plague, WHO says there's no evidence of ongoing transmission, and thousands of laboratory tests have found no high-threat pathogen. But the cause of her death remains unknown.
In this WTF Health News, Eeks looks at Russia's not-plague plague story and what happens when scientific uncertainty meets the attention economy. How do we talk about a frightening possibility without making “possible” sound like “probable”?
Sometimes the scientifically accurate answer is simply: We don't know yet.
Unfortunately, that's a terrible headline.
Work with Eeks? Perhaps you are a good match.
Keep Causes or Cures Ad-Free with Listener Support
You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com.
SUBSCRIBE to the Eeks Weekly here! (the bits not posted on socia media)
More From Current Show
Related Episodes
