Microbiologist infected from possible lab accident

A couple of years ago, a researcher at the University of Chicago died after contracting plague. Now the university is reporting another case of infection, although the exact circumstances of the incident are still under investigation.

The researcher, who became infected with Bacillus cereus, was hospitalized and subsequently released after receiving treatment, according to ScienceInsider. The University of Chicago probe is focusing on whether the researcher acquired the infection in the lab. A spokeswoman for the university told ScienceInsider that B. cereus was not contagious if standard operating procedures regarding hand-washing hygiene are followed.

One coincidence between the two incidents: Both infections came as researchers worked on projects headed by the same microbiologist. After suspending research to decontaminate the area, the lab plans to reopen later this week.