The State Department is monitoring reports of a suspected fatal case of pneumonic plague in Russia and is pressing Moscow to provide timely, accurate information as authorities work to verify the details.
A State Department official told Fox News that the U.S. is aware of reports of a death in Irkutsk Oblast, a region in southeastern Siberia. The department is closely tracking the situation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies. The official emphasized that many details remain unconfirmed and urged Russian authorities to disclose the information they have.
Former CIA officer Dan Hoffman told News Outlet that the U.S. intelligence community is likely gathering information from across multiple sources about the incident.
FILE – A man has his nose swabbed. The State Department is monitoring reports of a suspected fatal pneumonic plague case in Russia. (iStock)
“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 said.
“Washington will be speaking to all of our allies and partners in the region and sharing what we know.”
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Plague bacteria, known as Yersinia pestis, causes bubonic plague and is carried by rodents, including rats. The disease continues to occur in several regions around the world. (iStock)
Pneumonic plague can be treated with commonly used antibiotics, particularly when therapy begins early, the State Department official said. According to the CDC, treatment should start as soon as plague is suspected. Depending on the severity of the illness and other factors, patients may receive 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)
Pneumonic plague cases occur naturally in many parts of the world, according to the State Department official.
The official said protecting the safety and security of U.S. citizens remains the department’s highest priority. Americans traveling abroad were encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, to receive updates.
