Questions are being raised again after the death of a lab worker in Siberia, Russia, where bacteria that cause dangerous diseases are researched. After the employee’s death, around 200 people who came in contact with him have been kept under observation. However, Russia has not yet said that the deaths were caused by the plague. According to the health agency there, the cause of death is currently believed to be an unknown pneumonia.

According to the report, 28-year-old lab worker Darya Shipilova was working at the lab on September 25. Meanwhile, a test tube was broken. It was claimed that it contained the bacteria that caused the plague. After this his health deteriorated and he died in early October. However, a direct link between this phenomenon and plague infection has not yet been proven. After this incident, people’s attention has gone to the world’s lab, where research is done on extremely dangerous viruses and bacteria.

Work to understand the disease and develop a vaccine

After the corona epidemic, now the question has become big that why the need for such a lab is increasing. Actually, not all these labs aim to create viruses. In this, scientists conduct research to understand disease, diagnose it, develop vaccines and drugs, and combat future epidemics. During Corona, the world saw how important it is to prepare for early diagnosis and treatment when a new disease emerges.

There has been an increase in investment in labs

For this reason, many countries have increased investment in highly secure labs such as BSL-3 and BSL-4. But the worry is that the more research is done on dangerous pathogens, the stronger the need for protection. For this reason, the incident in Russia has once again sparked a debate over the security of labs and the monitoring of research conducted there.

What are BSL-3 and BSL-4 Labs?

• A BSL-3 lab works on pathogens that can cause serious illness and are at risk of being spread through inhalation.
• BSL-4 laboratories are high-level biosafety facilities. Very dangerous and serious diseases are dealt with here.
• Their aim is not only to create viruses, but also to understand the disease, develop tests and prepare treatments.
• WHO also emphasizes strengthening security, surveillance, training and risk assessment in such laboratories.

Why is the need for labs increasing?

Corona epidemic has taught the world a big lesson. When a new virus spreads rapidly, hospitals and doctors alone are not enough. It is also important to know what a virus is, how it spreads and what effect it has on the body. For this, scientists need special labs where dangerous viruses and bacteria can be safely kept and studied. For this reason, many countries have increased investment in high-security labs such as BSL-3 and BSL-4.

Research has been emphasized post-Covid

In these laboratories, scientists investigate diseases, research new drugs, vaccines and treatments. During Corona, it became clear how important it is to research and prepare in advance to fight any new disease. This is the reason why after the pandemic, many countries of the world emphasized on strengthening their lab and research capacity.

There is danger in the smallest carelessness

But there is also a risk attached to it. The more dangerous the virus or bacteria, the more stringent protection is required. WHO also emphasizes strengthening safety regulations, staff training and supervision in such laboratories. Especially thanks to the rapid growth of AI and new biotechnology, scientists can now conduct more complex research than ever before. It can be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of diseases, but there is also a risk of misuse or minor negligence.

How many such labs have grown in the world?

According to a global study published in 2025, 3,515 BSL-3 labs in 149 countries and 110 BSL-4 labs in 34 countries were identified. That means a total of 3,625 high-content labs were declared. In BSL-3 labs, work is done on pathogens that cause serious diseases, while BSL-4 is the highest security lab, where research is done on highly dangerous pathogens.

Labs increased year by year

• 1990: Around 10-12 Labs (BSL-4 Labs)
• 2000: Around 18-20 Labs (BSL-4 Labs)
• 2010: Around 40-42 Labs (BSL-4 Labs)
• 2012: Around 50-55 Labs (BSL-4 Labs)
• 2024: 110 BSL-4 labs, in 34 countries
• 2025: 3,515 BSL-3 Lab

When did lab-related problems come to light?

After the Corona epidemic, the discussion of research on viruses and dangerous bacteria has intensified in the world. Corona showed how important it is to prepare for testing, research, vaccines and treatment when a new infection arrives. But there have been many instances in history, when an error or security lapse in a lab has become a cause for concern. Some key cases are:

1. 1978 (UK): In Birmingham, medical photographer Janet Parker contracted smallpox and died. During the investigation, the infection was linked to the university’s smallpox lab.
2. 2004 (Beijing, China): In two separate incidents, researchers in a lab working on SARS were infected and the infection spread to contacts outside the lab.
3. 2014 (US): Anthrax samples at the CDC lab were sent to other labs without being completely inactivated. About 75 employees were to be monitored, although none were infected.
4. 2019 (China): A case of exposure to Brucella bacteria was reported from a biopharmaceutical plant in Lanzhou. Later, more than 10 thousand people showed signs of exposure to the infection.
5. 2019 (France): Emily Jauman, a lab technician working on prions, died. Reportedly, he was injured by infected material while working in a lab several years ago.
6. 2021 (Taiwan): An employee at a lab in Taipei was infected with Covid-19 while working on the virus.

An event between 1900 and 2025

Between 1900 and 2025, 1,126 lab-related incidents worldwide were studied. This includes incidents such as infections in the lab, infection of personnel, and accidental release of dangerous pathogens. During this period, 81 people died and 148 major outbreaks occurred.