Reports are emerging of a suspected fatal pneumonic plague case in Russia, and the US is urging Moscow to provide accurate information as quickly as possible. Details of the case, which is said to have occurred in Irkutsk Oblast, a region in southeastern Siberia, remain unconfirmed.
A State Department official has confirmed that the US is aware of the reports and is closely monitoring the situation, in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies. The official emphasized that many details have not been confirmed and called on Russian authorities to reveal what they know.
Pneumonic plague is a serious illness that can be treated with common antibiotics if treatment begins early. According to the CDC, patients can be treated with intravenous or oral antimicrobials depending on the severity of the illness and other factors.
The State Department official noted that cases of pneumonic plague occur naturally in many parts of the world. The official also emphasized that the safety and security of US citizens remains the department's top priority, and encouraged Americans traveling overseas to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, to receive updates.
The US is likely to be collecting all-source intelligence on the incident, and Washington is expected to share information with allies and partners in the region.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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