Trump Offers U.S. Help Over Plague Scare
President Donald Trump said the United States stands ready to assist Russia following the death of a researcher at a Siberian anti-plague institute, a case that has triggered speculation, fear, and a wave of precautionary measures in the Irkutsk region.
"It's a big problem for Russia. It's a severe illness," Trump told reporters, adding that the U.S. would do everything it could to help.
"We will help. We are always ready to help anyone who has such a problem." Trump, who has repeatedly said he considers Russian President Vladimir Putin a man he can work with despite tensions over the war in Ukraine, framed the offer as straightforward humanitarian readiness.
The scare began with the death of a 28-year-old employee of the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute for Siberia and the Far East, after suspicions surfaced that she may have been infected with plague. Nearly 200 people who had contact with her have been placed under medical supervision, and anti-epidemic measures in the region have been intensified.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. is monitoring reports of the case, while cautioning against alarm. "Travel between the United States and Russia is very limited, but as with everything else, if something like this gets out of hand, it can spread quickly,"
Rubio said before traveling to Iceland. "I don't think it's a cause for alarm, but it's an occasion to pay attention and that's exactly what we're doing."