Suspected plague in Russia: CDC statement for the United States

A woman working at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute in Siberia died after exhibiting pneumonia‑like symptoms. Russian authorities are investigating whether the death was caused by pneumonic plague.

Officials said that tests on people who had contact with the deceased revealed no dangerous infectious agent, and that the contacts have been fully medically monitored.

The CDC said it is closely monitoring the developments but finds no indication of a broader threat to the United States at present.

Risk assessment from WHO

WHO assessed the risk in the Irkutsk region as moderate‑low, the risk across Russia as low, and the risk in Europe as very low, based on current information.

Pneumonic plague is a serious bacterial disease that affects the lungs and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets during close contact. However, it can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early.

While the investigation in Russia is ongoing, WHO announced that Russian authorities have not yet requested expert support from the organization.