CDC ‘closely monitoring’ suspected pneumonic plague case
The agency said there is “no indication of a broader threat to the United States” at this time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring a suspected case of pneumonic plague that resulted in the death of a researcher in Russia. The CDC stated that there is currently no evidence of a larger threat to the United States, but they remain prepared and will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Paul Friedrichs, a retired military medical officer and former director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, suggested that Russian officials could ease concerns if they provide information about the researcher's research, the onset of symptoms, and the timing of her treatment with antibiotics.
Friedrichs emphasized the importance of releasing the pathogen's genomic sequence, as it could help alleviate fears. He cautioned against assuming the worst in the Russian situation, noting that cultural and governmental differences should prevent readers from projecting US handling of biosecurity incidents onto the Russian government.
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