US President Donald Trump has confirmed he has arranged a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential plague outbreak at a Siberian research facility. Addressing journalists at the White House, Mr Trump said he would speak to Mr Putin about the incident "very soon."
Worker death under investigation
Health officials are examining the situation following the death of a worker at an anti-plague institute, which authorities linked to pneumonia from an unidentified source. When asked what US intelligence services were reporting on the incident, Mr Trump stated the US is engaged in "very deep discussions" on the matter.
"We'll be able to report about it, probably tomorrow," Mr Trump confirmed.
WHO assessment
The World Health Organisation on Tuesday declared the incident poses a "very low" threat beyond Russia's borders. The UN body confirmed it was liaising with Russian officials after reports emerged last week of the death of a woman employed at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East.
On Monday, Mr Trump indicated the US would be prepared to assist Russia with the circumstances. "It's a rough disease. You know, that's a disease we used to be able to control, but somehow those microbes have gotten stronger and smarter. They're like an army," Mr Trump told journalists.
Further enquiries
WHO said on October 6 that it is carrying out further enquiries after reports of a second employee with pneumonia of undetermined cause. A spokesperson said: "In response to WHO’s verification request under the International Health Regulations, the Russian health authorities reported that no case of plague had recently been registered in Irkutsk oblast.
"They informed WHO that an epidemiological investigation had been conducted, preventive and control measures implemented, and identified contacts placed under medical observation and tested. They reported that no high-threat pathogens had been detected among the contacts and that medical observation of all identified contacts had been completed. WHO has remained in contact with the Russian health authorities and has offered technical support."
WHO has requested further information to clarify the cause of the severe pneumonia, the pathogen that prompted the public health measures, and media reports of a second employee with pneumonia of undetermined cause. "Timely, complete and transparent information sharing under the International Health Regulations is essential to clarify conflicting reports and enable an accurate assessment of potential public health risks."
