Reported Russian pneumonic plague outbreak ‘cause for focus,’ but not alarm, Rubio says

Rubio says reported Russian lab leak is a ’cause for focus’ but not ‘alarm’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is keeping an eye on reports of a plague escaping a lab in Russia, but he said Americans ought not to panic. Speaking to the press on Monday before departing for Iceland, Rubio was asked for comment on reports that a Russian lab worker died Friday following suspicious circumstances at […]

Oct 5, 2026

Reported Russian pneumonic plague outbreak ‘cause for focus,’ but not alarm, Rubio says

“There's very limited travel between the US and Russia, obviously. But like anything else, something like that gets out it could certainly spread,” Rubio said.

Oct 5, 2026