The State Department is closely monitoring reports of a suspected fatal case of pneumonic plague in Russia. Authorities are urging Moscow to provide accurate information swiftly as details remain unconfirmed.
An official from the State Department informed Fox News about awareness of a reported death in Irkutsk Oblast, a region in southeastern Siberia. U.S. officials are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal agencies to observe the situation closely. The official emphasized that many specifics have not been verified and called on Russian authorities to disclose any known information.
Dan Hoffman, a former CIA officer, shared insights with Fox News Digital, suggesting that the U.S. intelligence community is likely gathering comprehensive intelligence regarding 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 stated.
Washington is consulting with allies and regional partners while sharing available information.
Plague bacteria (Yersinia pestis) causes bubonic plague, which is spread by rats and remains present in many areas globally. Pneumonic plague can be managed with standard antibiotics, particularly when treatment commences early. According to the CDC, therapy should start promptly if plague is suspected, with patients receiving either intravenous or oral antimicrobials based on illness severity and other factors.
Reports indicate that cases of pneumonic plague naturally occur in various regions worldwide. The State Department official highlighted that U.S. citizen safety is a top priority, urging Americans traveling abroad to join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates.
Emma Bussey is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. She previously worked with The Telegraph’s U.S. overnight team covering diverse beats including foreign affairs, politics, news, sports, and culture.
Leave a Reply