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As of the reports on Tuesday, the CDC stated there is no indication of a broader threat to the United States. However, the CDC and its interagency partners are prepared and continue to monitor the situation closely as additional information becomes available.

The CDC describes pneumonic plague as a dangerous bacterial disease that is the most dangerous form of plague and is almost always fatal if left untreated. It can be treated with antibiotics, especially when caught early. The disease can spread between people through respiratory droplets during close contact, making rapid identification, treatment of infected individuals, and monitoring of exposed individuals critical for safety.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation and working across the U.S. government to assess developments, stating they are prepared for any threat. President Trump announced he scheduled a call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss the case and stated the U.S. would help Russia as much as possible. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services and the State Department are monitoring the situation, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Russia to share more information with the world.

The situation involves the death of Darya Shipilova, a worker at the Research Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia. Reports indicate she may have been exposed to plague bacteria while working at the institute. While Russian authorities stated that testing did not link her death to plague or specific pathogens, at least five hospitals in the area remain in quarantine, and nearly 200 people who had contact with her have been placed under medical observation as a precaution.