Investigation into lab worker's death in Irkutsk, Russia
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Rospotrebnadzor, Irkutsk Antiplague Research Institute
Irkutsk, Russia
Late September to early October 2026
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COMPAMIR Editorial Team
The COMPAMIR editorial team brings together public reporting and links to the original coverage. We update the page as new information emerges.
Read our editorial policy- Earlier version 110/6/2026, 1:31:11 PM
A lab worker at a plague research institute in Russia died of pneumonia, sparking unsubstantiated rumors of a plague leak. Russian health authorities found no evidence of a laboratory accident or pathogen leak.
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Suspected Plague Outbreak in Irkutsk, Russia
Nearly 200 people are under medical observation in Irkutsk due to suspected plague exposure. An employee at an anti-plague research institute died from an unspecified form of plague. Russian health authorities state the situation remains stable and expanded testing is underway.