Irkutsk:US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that an infection incident at a Russian biological research facility does not warrant alarm, though American authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

According to Anadolu Agency, Rubio made these comments while speaking to reporters before embarking on a diplomatic tour of Europe, with scheduled stops in Iceland, Greece, and Portugal. He emphasized that while the situation is not alarming, it requires attention and observation.

Rubio confirmed that the US is relying on information from Moscow, which reports that a research worker contracted an infection, leading local authorities to implement a quarantine to prevent further transmission. Despite heavily restricted travel between the US and Russia, Rubio noted the rapid spread potential of pathogens if they escape containment, underscoring the importance of vigilant monitoring.

The incident follows reports of a female employee at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute dying from 'pneumonia of unknown etiology,' as reported by Russian state news agency Tass. Local reports suggest that the 28-year-old's death occurred after an accident, leading to hospital quarantines and mask mandates at a factory. However, Russia's consumer protection agency maintains that the epidemiological situation remains stable.

Regarding the safety of US diplomatic missions, Rubio addressed Moscow's warnings for foreign missions to evacuate Kyiv, affirming that the US Embassy in the Ukrainian capital remains operational and undergoes daily security evaluations. He dismissed Russia's warnings as repetitive rhetoric, noting that Kyiv remains under attack and that Washington will adjust its diplomatic posture as necessary, but no changes have been made so far.