Trump Offers Russia US Help Over Plague Fears
US President Donald Trump offered American assistance to Russia following the death of a laboratory worker at an anti-plague research institute in Siberia, as authorities continue to investigate the case and monitor potentially exposed people.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Monday, Trump said the United States would help Russia deal with the situation, describing the disease as a serious and difficult problem.
“It’s a rough disease,” Trump said, adding that Washington would be willing to assist Russia and “anybody that has that kind of a problem.”
Trump's comments came after the death of a 28-year-old worker at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute in the Siberian city of Shelekhov. The death triggered health precautions and public concern over the possibility of pneumonic plague.
Plague Not Confirmed
Despite the growing concern, Russian health authorities have not confirmed that the worker died from plague.
Russia’s public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, said the worker had been diagnosed with pneumonia of unknown origin. Extensive testing reportedly found no microorganisms connected to her professional activities and no confirmed incident involving dangerous pathogens at the research institute.
Reports that the worker may have broken a test tube containing plague bacteria have also not been officially confirmed.
Russia Steps Up Precautions
Authorities have nevertheless taken precautionary measures in the Irkutsk region. Nearly 200 people who may have had contact with the worker have reportedly been placed under medical observation, while restrictions have been introduced at the hospital where she was treated.
Rospotrebnadzor chief Anna Popova travelled to the Irkutsk region to oversee the response. Regional officials have said the situation remains under control.
Testing of people who had contact with the worker reportedly detected two COVID-19 cases and two rhinovirus infections, while no other dangerous infectious agent was identified.
US Monitoring the Situation
Trump's offer of assistance comes as US agencies monitor developments in Russia.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was watching the situation closely but did not believe there was currently a reason for alarm. US officials have been seeking additional information about the case and the precautionary measures taken by Russian authorities.
Trump also referred to his ability to work with Russian President Vladimir Putin despite continuing tensions between Washington and Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
The US offer adds an international dimension to a case that remains surrounded by uncertainty. For now, Russian authorities maintain that there is no confirmed plague outbreak, while health officials continue monitoring contacts as they investigate the cause of the laboratory worker’s death.
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