Legacy Matters

Black death death

Professor Malcolm Casadaban, a renowned molecular geneticist at the University of Chicago studied the origins of the Black Death until he died quite quickly from an infection linked to the disease, also called the bubonic plague.  He developed intense flu-like symptoms, was admitted to the hospital but died within 12 hours.

New victim of the Black Death: Professor killed by plague bug he studied

Health officials in the city insisted there was no risk to the public but the professor's colleagues, family and friends have been offered antibiotics as a precaution.

'While the death of this individual researcher is terrible and tragic, there is no indication that his illness spread to anyone else,' said a spokesman for the Chicago Department of Public Health.

'There is currently no indication of a threat to public health.'

He was working on a more effective vaccine.  What a loss. His family are stunned and shocked.  Condolences.