Target: Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
Goal: Strongly compel Russia to provide clear information about plague lab worker’s death.
A death in Russia possibly linked to a highly contagious form of plague has health officials worldwide on alert. A woman employed at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute died suddenly from symptoms that mirror pneumonic plague: a variation of the infamous disease that causes serious respiratory symtoms. Although early accounts directly referenced the plague and indicated quarantine measures had been implemented, high-level Russian officials later denied the reports and have not disclosed the scientist’s cause of death.
As Russia continues to refuse transparency, health experts are worried about a repeat of the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when China was likewise scarce with information about the coronavirus outbreak. Even if the case turns out to be an isolated occurrence, full disclosure is vital for the public and for future mitigation measures. Although U.S. leaders have reportedly warned Russia against withholding information, recent actions (including a deal made by the president to buy diesel fuel from war-mongering Russia) send a decisively different message.
Sign the petition below to demand leadership back up words with needed action.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Rubio,
A demarche was reportedly sent to Russia advising the nation of repercussions if top-level officials are not being forthcoming about potential pneumonic plague cases. At the same time, Russia is benefitting from a lucrative diesel deal struck by the president. This deal will no doubt ease pressure not only regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine but also in relation to this concerning health development of global importance.
You must urge a much stronger response. Any delay in obtaining information vital to the World Health Organization and the world as a whole is a catastrophe in the making. Learn from history and do not repeat mistakes made just a few short years ago during the planet’s last major pandemic.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Rakotovaogael
