President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that the United States stands ready to assist Russia in determining the cause of a recent death at the Irkutsk Anti‑Plague Institute of Siberia and the Far East. “I hate to see them having it,” Trump said, adding that the disease was “a rough disease” and that Washington would do what it could to help.
Russian officials say no plague detected
Russia’s consumer‑health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor announced that testing of 60% of the identified close contacts of the female laboratory worker has revealed no cases of plague or any other high‑threat pathogen. The only infections found were two cases of Covid‑19 and two cases of rhinovirus, the common cold virus. The statement did not mention plague at all.
Irkutsk regional authorities, including Governor Igor Kobsev, said that laboratory analysis found no microorganisms linked to the employee’s professional duties. The World Health Organization, after being briefed by Russian officials, confirmed that no plague cases have been recorded in the Irkutsk region.
U.S. diplomatic outreach
A State Department spokesperson said the United States has been in contact with Russian officials since last Friday. Health experts from the State Department participated in the dialogue alongside the Russian Foreign Ministry, seeking greater transparency about the incident.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that, despite limited travel between the United States and Russia, “if something like that gets out, it could quickly spread.” The comment underscores the administration’s focus on preventing any potential cross‑border health threats.
Local impact in Siberia
Mayor Maksim Modin of the Shelekhov municipal district, near the Mongolian border, reported that the inpatient facility where the worker was treated has been closed for quarantine. Approximately 200 people who had contact with the woman have been placed under precautionary medical observation.
Russian media identified the deceased as a 28‑year‑old woman, though officials have not officially released her name. The Irkutsk Anti‑Plague Institute, founded in 1934 to combat plague, now also handles other dangerous diseases such as cholera and anthrax.
Trump administration’s stance
President Trump’s statement reflects the administration’s broader commitment to safeguarding American families while extending goodwill to allies facing public‑health challenges. By offering assistance, the Trump administration demonstrates both compassion and a firm resolve to keep the nation safe from emerging threats.
“We will work with our Russian partners to get to the bottom of this,” Trump added, emphasizing a collaborative approach rather than confrontation.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
