Trump to speak to Putin on plague as US, UN urge transparency

US President Donald Trump expressed concern over suspected pneumonic plague in Russia during a press conference on Tuesday, stating that US intelligence agencies are conducting in-depth discussions about the case. He also announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon, promising further updates on the matter, likely by tomorrow.

The 28-year-old lab technician, Darya Shipilova, who worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia, died on Friday from pneumonia of unknown origin. Russia's public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, confirmed her death but stated no microorganisms linked to her work were found in her body or those of nearly 200 others tested.

Early reports and local officials, however, suggested Shipilova had succumbed to the pneumonic plague.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the US is operating with limited information regarding the case, emphasizing the need for caution in speculating about the nature of the illness. He called upon Russia to share more details, stating that it is their responsibility to provide additional information. The US has also asserted that Russia may be violating its international health obligations by withholding further details of the case.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the State Department has requested more information from Russia and is engaging in official communication with other countries to share data. The International Health Regulations, a 2005 global pact signed by Russia, mandates countries to notify the World Health Organization (WHO) of potential international public health emergencies and provide detailed updates on tests, lab results, and anti-epidemic measures.

Rospotrebnadzor's statement revealed that no specific tests were conducted, and only COVID-19 and rhinovirus infections were detected.