US monitors suspected plague in Russia after death and quarantines
US monitors suspected pneumonic plague in Russia after death of research institute employee and quarantines in Siberia.
TL;DR
- US is monitoring a suspected pneumonic plague outbreak in Russia.
- A researcher at the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute died after falling ill.
- Quarantines and precautionary measures have been adopted in the Siberian region.
- Russian authorities deny evidence of an accident with the bacteria in the lab.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated there is no immediate cause for alarm but advised continued monitoring.
- President Donald Trump offered US assistance to Russia for the "big problem".
- The risk to Americans is considered low due to limited travel between Russia and the US.