Online sellers market dubious plague-prevention kits after Russian case sparks fear
Social-media influencers are promoting $300 plague-prevention kits in North America despite unverified reports of a Russian case and health officials warning against unnecessary antibiotics.
Unverified reports of a woman at a Russian plague institute dying from the disease have ignited a surge of online marketing for $300 plague-prevention kits aimed at North American consumers. Influencers and prepper accounts share videos urging early purchase, using hashtags like #Russia and #plague, and provide personalized discount codes that could earn them commissions. The kits, sold by the Wellness Company and fronted by cardiologist Peter McCullough, contain doxycycline—a legitimate plague treatment—and ivermectin, which is not indicated for bacterial infections.
Infectious-disease specialists such as Isaac Bogoch and Paul Keim warn that taking antibiotics without confirmed exposure can disrupt gut microbiomes and promote resistant bacteria. Health-misinformation expert Timothy Caulfield notes that crises often attract opportunists selling unproven remedies. Russian authorities have not confirmed any plague deaths, and the regional governor said no health issues were found among contacts.
Why it matters
The story highlights how health scares can fuel the sale of unproven medical products, risking public safety and antibiotic resistance.
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