The U.S. State Department is closely following reports of a possible fatal pneumonic plague infection in Russia and is calling on Moscow to provide verified information as soon as possible while key details remain unclear.
A State Department official told Fox News that Washington is aware of reports of a death in Irkutsk Oblast, in southeastern Siberia. U.S. officials are coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies, while emphasizing that the reported case has not been fully confirmed. The official urged Russian authorities to disclose the facts available to them.
Dan Hoffman, a former CIA officer, told News Media that the U.S. intelligence community would likely be gathering information from multiple sources to assess what happened.
FILE – A man has his nose swabbed. The State Department is monitoring reports of a suspected fatal pneumonic plague case in Russia. (iStock)
Hoffman said the U.S. Embassy in Moscow would also be expected to contact Russian diplomatic officials, particularly because Americans in the country could potentially face exposure.
He added that Washington would likely communicate with allies and regional partners to exchange information about the developing situation.
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The bacterium Yersinia pestis causes plague, including bubonic plague, and is commonly associated with infected rodents and their fleas. The disease continues to occur naturally in several parts of the world. (iStock)
Pneumonic plague is treatable with antibiotics, particularly when medical care begins promptly, the State Department official said. CDC guidance recommends starting appropriate treatment as soon as plague is suspected. Depending on the patient’s condition and other factors, doctors may use intravenous or oral antimicrobial medication.
FILE – A State Department official says the U.S. is tracking reports of a suspected fatal pneumonic plague case in Russia while pressing Moscow for timely, accurate information. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
The State Department official noted that pneumonic plague cases can arise naturally in various regions around the world.
Protecting U.S. citizens remains the State Department’s highest priority, the official said. Americans traveling abroad were encouraged to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, known as STEP, so they can receive relevant safety alerts and updates.