U.S. formally calls on Russia to provide information on suspected plague-related death

The United States has formally pressed Russia for more information after the death of a laboratory worker in Siberia raised concerns over a possible pneumonic plague case.

According to The New York Times, the State Department has sought greater transparency from Moscow as American officials assess the potential health risks linked to the incident.

The 28-year-old worker at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute died after developing pneumonia of unknown origin. Russian authorities have not confirmed that she had pneumonic plague, while quarantine measures have been introduced in the region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “I think it’s incumbent upon Russia to obviously share more information with the world,” urging Moscow to provide details that could help authorities assess the situation.

President Donald Trump has also said he plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very soon” about the case. Trump said US intelligence agencies were engaged in “very deep discussions” about the reports.

The World Health Organization has assessed the international risk as very low, while US officials continue monitoring developments.