A Russian lab worker died of suspected pneumonic plague in Siberia as U.S. officials warn of potential spread, prompting joint monitoring of the outbreak.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have expressed concern over the case, with Trump stating the U.S. is prepared to assist Russia in managing the outbreak. Russian authorities have quarantined contacts of the deceased worker and are tracing potential spread of the disease.
The World Health Organization has deemed the public health risk low, while Russian officials have confirmed no microorganisms linked to the worker's work were found in samples. U.S. officials urge transparency and cooperation in addressing the potential outbreak.
Russian media reports indicate nearly 200 people are under medical observation as a precaution, with the deceased worker identified as a lab technician at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute.