Trump to speak with Putin over suspected Russian plague outbreak

United States President Donald Trump announced at the White House that he has scheduled a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential pneumonic plague case in Russia. AP News, Anadolu Ajansi and the Daily Express reported that the two leaders are expected to speak very soon regarding the matter. [1][2][9][10]

According to the Daily Express and Fox News, Russian health authorities are investigating after an employee died at an anti-plague institute in Siberia. Fox News identified the deceased as a 28-year-old woman who worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East. The Daily Express added that authorities attributed the death to pneumonia with an unknown cause, while the Daily Mail noted reports of a possible second death. [1][2][3][4]

Fox News, Axios and CNBC reported that President Donald Trump stated the United States is willing to provide assistance to Russia. The Daily Express reported that Mr Trump said the United States is engaged in deep discussions regarding the topic. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Russian authorities previously placed dozens of people under quarantine and stated that the public health situation in Siberia was under control. [2][3][4][5][6][16][17]

The World Health Organisation said the case presents a low risk to the general public outside Russia, according to CNBC and the Daily Express. CNBC added that the organisation has offered support to Russian authorities if needed. [2][5]