State Department requests additional information from Moscow on plague
The State Department sent a demarche to Moscow requesting additional information regarding a purported plague outbreak in the Siberian oblast of Irkutsk.
TL;DR
- The US State Department sent a demarche to Moscow requesting information about a suspected plague outbreak in Irkutsk.
- A Russian lab technician, Daria Shipilova, died from pneumonia of unknown etiology, sparking fears of a lab leak.
- Russian authorities stated Shipilova's death was unrelated to the plague and that contacts tested negative.
- The World Health Organization head also requested clarification on reports of a second pneumonia case.
- Western and Ukrainian media reported a second death, possibly due to confusion over initial Russian media reports using masculine pronouns for the patient.
- Neighboring countries have increased border controls as a precautionary measure.
- President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio have downplayed concerns and indicated discussions with Russia.
- The CDC is monitoring the situation but sees no indication of a broader threat.