Top government infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci confirmed the existence of 'disturbing' threats after it was revealed the official steering the nation's coronavirus response now has a security detail. 

Fauci responded hours after getting asked about the topic and following a Washington Post report he has received both threats and contact from admirers, after NBC 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie asked him bout the 'horrendous' topic and 'disturbing' outreach.   

He told Guthrie he feels secure. 'I do, Savannah,' Fauci said. 'I've chosen this life.  I mean, I know what it is. There are things about it that sometimes are disturbing. But you just focus on the job you have to do and just put all that other stuff aside and try as best as possible not to pay too much attention to it and just forge ahead,' Fauci said. 

'We have a really, really, very very difficult situation ahead of us. All that other stuff is secondary,' he said, after U.S. deaths from the coronavirus passed 5,000.

Guthrie also inquired about Fauci's hoarse voice, which has been apparent at recent public briefings and interviews. She asked if he was okay and said his voice 'does not sound great.'