President Donald Trump described the suspected outbreak of pneumonic plague in Siberia as a "big problem for Russia," adding that "the microbes and the germs have gotten stronger." His remarks on Monday came as global concern mounts following the reported death of a laboratory assistant at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute.
"It’s a rough disease. You know, that’s a disease we used to be able to control, but somehow those microbes have got stronger and smarter, they’re like an army," Trump told reporters before departing for a campaign rally. He suggested that treatments previously effective against such diseases were becoming less potent.
Pneumonic plague, which can spread between humans through respiration, is nearly always fatal if not treated promptly with antibiotics. Trump stated that the U.S. would be willing to assist Russia if requested.
He also mentioned that he had not yet spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the situation. Trump's comments about the increasing resilience of pathogens echo concerns previously raised about the origins of COVID-19 and related research.