Spread unlikely after possible plague-linked death

[September 22, 2009]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago health officials say there's so sign of any spread after the possible plague-related death of a university scientist.

But as a precaution, antibiotics have been offered to co-workers, friends and family of University of Chicago genetics researcher Malcolm Casadaban (kuh-SAW'-duh-buhn).

The 60-year-old scientist died Sept. 13 after being exposed to a weakened form of the bacteria that causes the plague. It's a strain that is federally approved for lab studies.

Casadaban's lab has been sealed off while authorities investigate.

Officials have said it's unlikely anyone else would be infected, and a Chicago Department of Public Health spokesman said Monday the window for that happening is almost over.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also is investigating.

[Associated Press]

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