US urges Russia to share details on suspected fatal pneumonic plague case

The US State Department is closely monitoring unverified reports of a suspected fatal case of pneumonic plague originating in Russia and has urged Moscow to promptly provide accurate information about the incident.

A State Department official, speaking anonymously to Fox News, said Washington was aware of the reported death in Irkutsk Oblast in southeastern Siberia. The official said the situation was being monitored in coordination with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal agencies, while stressing that several details had yet to be officially verified. The official also called on Russian authorities to release all available information.

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Dan Hoffman, a former Central Intelligence officer, told Fox News Digital that US intelligence agencies were likely collecting comprehensive, multi-source intelligence on the incident.

“I would also expect our embassy in Moscow to be engaging with their diplomatic counterparts at an official level because we might have people in Russia who might be at risk,” Hoffman said.

“Washington will be speaking to all of our allies and partners in the region and sharing what we know.”

The State Department official said pneumonic plague can be treated with standard antibiotics, particularly when treatment begins early. The CDC recommends starting appropriate medical protocols immediately after suspected exposure, using intravenous or oral antimicrobials depending on the severity of the illness and other clinical factors.

The official also noted that pneumonic plague occurs naturally in several regions around the world.

Reiterating that the safety and wellbeing of US citizens abroad is a key priority, the State Department encouraged Americans travelling internationally to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely travel advisory updates.

(With ANI inputs)