Pneumonia in Russia: 6000 laboratory tests conducted to trace disease

On October 2, 2026, WHO was informed of the death of an employee at the Irkutsk Antiplague Research Institute in Siberia following hospitalization for severe pneumonia. Laboratory tests on the individual and contacts ruled out high-threat pathogens, and no ongoing transmission was detected. Russian authorities confirmed no recent plague cases in the region and implemented preventive measures. WHO continues to monitor the situation closely.