Russia Denies to WHO That There Are Any Cases of Plague – Reuters

Russia has informed the World Health Organization that there are no reported cases of a plague outbreak in the Irkutsk region. 

According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Russian authorities reported that they are conducting an epidemiological investigation, implementing preventive measures, and placing individuals who have been in contact with the patient under medical supervision.

At the same time, the international organization has requested additional data to determine the causes of severe pneumonia and its pathogen, which has raised public health concerns. In addition, the WHO is awaiting clarification regarding reports of a second employee with pneumonia of unknown etiology, emphasizing the need for a complete and transparent exchange of data to objectively assess potential risks.

This was reported by Reuters.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated in Washington that he is expected to hold a phone call in the near future with Russian President Vladimir Putin—the leader of an aggressor state—regarding the plague. He made this remark in response to a question from reporters at the White House asking whether he had spoken with Putin about reports of a possible case of pneumonic plague in Russia.

In Russia’s Irkutsk region, 189 people were hospitalized following the death of a 28-year-old woman linked to an anti-plague institute. In total, authorities identified 197 people who may have come into contact with the deceased.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States is ready to assist Russia amid reports of a suspected case of pneumonic plague in Irkutsk.