Trump, Putin to discuss suspected plague case as US officials press Russia for answers

US President Donald Trump announced that US intelligence agencies are in deep discussions over a suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia, following the death of a lab technician. Trump stated he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned against speculation, citing limited information, and called on Russia to share more details. The US has warned Russia it may be violating international health obligations by failing to disclose additional information. The technician, Darya Shipilova, worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia. Russia's public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, stated she died of pneumonia of unknown etiology, though early local reports said she died of pneumonic plague. Rospotrebnadzor stated no plague-linked microorganisms were found in tests of her body and nearly 200 others, but Moscow has not shared which tests were conducted.

US President Donald Trump announced that US intelligence agencies are in deep discussions over a suspected case of pneumonic plague in Russia, following the death of a 28-year-old lab technician. Trump said he will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin very soon and promised to report more on the case, probably tomorrow. The technician, Darya Shipilova, worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia. Russia's public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, stated she died of pneumonia of unknown etiology, though early local reports said she died of pneumonic plague. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned against speculation, saying the US is operating with limited information, and called on Russia to share more details. The US has warned Russia it may be violating international health obligations under the 2005 International Health Regulations by failing to disclose additional information. Rospotrebnadzor stated no plague-linked microorganisms were found in tests of her body and nearly 200 others, but Moscow has not shared which tests were conducted.