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Irkutsk quarantines hospitals after suspected plague infection death

By Drooid · Oct 4, 2026, 11:24 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Irkutsk Lab Worker Dies

Irkutsk authorities reported a 28-year-old lab worker died after an infection at the Anti-Plague Institute in Shelekhov.
She was diagnosed with pneumonia of unknown cause, possibly pneumonic plague.
Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev convened an extraordinary anti-epidemic commission with the chief state doctor.
Rospotrebnadzor placed about 200 close contacts under observation, all testing negative.
Former Rospotrebnadzor head Gennady Onishchenko told TASS the infection likely is not plague and will not spread.

Summary

Police Launch Probe

Police opened a criminal investigation into possible health-safety violations at the anti-plague institute.
Baikalsk city administration removed its plague warning post within two hours.
REN TV erased the related Telegram updates about the plague warning.
Irkutsk Aluminum Plant required all workers to wear masks after the suspected plague case.
Four Irkutsk hospitals closed for a three-week quarantine, halting patient visits.

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Irkutsk Lab Worker Dies

Irkutsk authorities reported a 28-year-old lab worker died after an infection at the Anti-Plague Institute in Shelekhov.
She was diagnosed with pneumonia of unknown cause, possibly pneumonic plague.
Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev convened an extraordinary anti-epidemic commission with the chief state doctor.
Rospotrebnadzor placed about 200 close contacts under observation, all testing negative.
Former Rospotrebnadzor head Gennady Onishchenko told TASS the infection likely is not plague and will not spread.

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