Trump offers U.S. help to Russia after plague alert in Siberia

A female employee of the Anti-Plague Research Institute in Irkutsk, Siberia, fell ill and later died, sparking widespread concern among the Russian public. Following the incident, authorities quarantined dozens of people who may have been in contact with her.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States was ready to help Russia. He made the remarks to reporters at the White House as he was preparing to leave for Nebraska, describing the situation as a serious problem for Moscow.

“It’s a serious disease,” Trump said, adding that Washington would do everything in its power to help Russia.

“We will help. Whenever anyone faces a problem like this, we are always ready to lend a hand,” the U.S. president said.

So far, however, it has not been established that the woman died as a result of the plague. According to Russian authorities, she had been diagnosed with pneumonia of unknown origin, and tests have found no evidence linking her illness to the pathogens she worked with.

The case has fueled speculation about a possible infection with pneumonic plague, but Russian officials have assured the public that the situation is under control. Those who had been in contact with her are under medical supervision, while preventive measures have been taken at several healthcare facilities in the Irkutsk region.

The United States, for its part, is closely following developments. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was monitoring reports about the suspected case closely and called on Russian authorities to act transparently.