CDC: Monitoring Russian plague risk, "prepared" for any threat
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is monitoring reports of a suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia and says it is prepared for any threat that emerges. Why it matters: Pneumonic plague is the most dangerous form of plague and is almost always fatal unless if left untreated. The latest: President Trump told reporters Tuesday that he has a call scheduled with Russian leader…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring reports of a potential pneumonic plague case in Russia and is prepared for any emerging threat. Pneumonic plague is the most severe form of the plague disease, often fatal if left untreated. President Trump informed reporters on Tuesday that he is scheduled to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the suspected case.
U.S. officials are engaged in deep discussions about the situation, with a potential update expected tomorrow. Darya Shipilova, a worker at a Russian anti-plague institute, died after potential exposure to plague bacteria while working. Russian authorities have not yet confirmed the link between her death and plague or the pathogens she handled.
Five hospitals in the area are under quarantine, and nearly 200 individuals who had contact with Shipilova are under medical observation. The CDC, along with other U.S. government agencies, is evaluating developments and monitoring the situation closely, though there is currently no indication of a broader threat to the United States.
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