President Donald Trump stated on October 7 that a suspected pneumonic plague death in Russia was likely unrelated to "biological weapons." Addressing reporters at the White House, Trump remarked, "We don't think so. Things will become clear soon, but we truly don't consider this possibility."

This statement followed Russia's warning against "misinformation" concerning speculation about a second suspected infection case. Both the US and the United Nations have urged Russia for greater transparency regarding the situation.

US President Donald Trump at the White House on October 7. *AFP*

President Trump indicated that Russia asserted it had the situation under control. However, he expressed skepticism, adding, "But, you know, people have said that before about other things." He drew a parallel to China's initial response to the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that "China didn't say much then either."

"Russia also didn't say much, but they claim the situation is completely under control," the US President emphasized. He mentioned having a scheduled phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the issue, without disclosing the specific timing.

Concerns about the disease initially arose after Dalia Shipilova, a technician at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute, died on October 1. According to Russian media, Shipilova was hospitalized in Shelekhov city on September 29 with severe pneumonia symptoms. She reportedly told medical staff that she accidentally broke a test tube containing Yersinia pestis bacteria while taking samples at the institute on September 25.

Russian technicians working at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute in 2019. *AP*

Alexei Tsydenov, head of the Republic of Buryatia, initially suggested the technician "may have died from the plague," with Russian media subsequently reporting it could be pneumonic plague. However, Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev announced on October 5 that a special expert council determined Shipilova's cause of death was "pneumonia of unknown etiology."

The US Department of State confirmed on October 6 that its embassy in Moscow was aware of the incident. The agency issued a Level 4 travel advisory, urging US citizens in Russia to depart immediately and advising those planning travel to Russia to reconsider their plans.

By Huyen Le (*AFP*)