Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that reports of a suspected plague outbreak in Russia should be treated seriously, pointing to concerns over government transparency and the potential for infectious diseases to spread globally.

Pompeo Warns of Russia Plague Outbreak

On Monday, Pompeo said in a post on X, "The news of a suspected 'plague' outbreak from Russia should be treated with the utmost seriousness, especially considering the source."

He referenced the COVID-19 pandemic to argue that a lack of transparency during an infectious disease outbreak could have international consequences.

"COVID showed us how the lies and obstruction of authoritarian governments seeking to cover their tracks can turn a containable outbreak into a global pandemic," Pompeo said.

Trump Offers Help

President Donald Trump said the U.S. would help Russia after a laboratory worker died following an illness at a plague research institute in Siberia.

Trump told reporters, when asked about the case, "We'll help. Everybody who has that kind of a problem, we'll always help."

The President said he had not spoken with Russian officials about the case but described plague as a "rough disease," and said, "That's a disease we used to be able to control."

He also warned that the microbes have become "stronger and stronger" and are "like an army."

White House Monitored Suspected Plague Case

On Sunday, the Trump administration reportedly monitored a suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia after anti-plague laboratory worker Daria Shipilova, 28, died following reported exposure to the pathogen.

Nearly 200 people who had contact with her were placed under medical observation, while authorities quarantined several medical facilities.

Russian health officials did not confirm that Shipilova had plague, describing her illness as "unknown" pneumonia.

Trump administration official said the government was "monitoring the outbreak" and "assessing options."