Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday pressed Russia to release more information about a suspected pneumonic plague case that emerged after a lab worker died in Siberia, urging Moscow to be transparent about the incident.
Speaking to reporters during a diplomatic trip to Iceland, Rubio said it is “incumbent” on Russia to share details with the international community so that other nations can respond appropriately. “We encourage Russia to be transparent and share more information with the world so that all of us could react accordingly and appropriately,” he said.
The call follows reports from Russian media about the death of a woman who worked at a laboratory in Irkutsk oblast, where authorities are investigating whether she contracted pneumonic plague. The facility handles dangerous pathogens, including plague, in a region where the disease occurs naturally in wild animals, according to the World Health Organization.
The WHO said Tuesday that the overall risk of spread within Russia and to Europe is currently low, but it is awaiting an official assessment from the Russian government. The agency has been monitoring the situation and coordinating with national health authorities.
Pneumonic plague is a rare but often fatal form of the disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It can be transmitted through respiratory droplets from infected animals or people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nearly 200 people are under observation for possible infection after coming into contact with the deceased woman, with more than 100 reportedly hospitalized. Russian health officials have not yet confirmed the cause of death, and the WHO is awaiting formal data.
The episode has drawn attention in Washington, where the White House is monitoring the suspected plague case. Former President Trump had earlier voiced concern and offered U.S. assistance, while Rubio's remarks underscore the administration's interest in getting reliable information from Moscow.
Health experts note that while the current risk is low, the incident highlights the importance of transparency in infectious disease outbreaks, especially those involving high-containment laboratories. The pneumonic plague risk is a reminder of the potential dangers posed by such pathogens.
The U.S. and Russia have a history of cooperating on health issues, but tensions over other matters have complicated communication. Rubio's request adds a diplomatic layer to what is primarily a public health concern.
