On October 5, 2026, a possible outbreak of plague was reported in Russia, raising concerns not only among Russian health officials but also in neighboring countries. Authorities in the Irkutsk region reported the death of a staff member from an anti-plague institute, prompting the closure of several hospitals for quarantine.
Measures in Russia
In response to the potential plague outbreak in Irkutsk, where a woman died, medical institutions in the region took urgent measures:
- At least five hospitals, including a children's hospital, were closed for quarantine.
- Approximately 200 individuals have been isolated or placed under medical supervision.
Moscow has also begun checking the temperature of all passengers arriving from Irkutsk. These measures aim to prevent the possible spread of the infection.
Reactions from Neighboring Countries
Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan have urgently strengthened control at their borders:
- Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan announced enhanced sanitary controls.
- Uzbekistan is taking measures to prevent the importation of dangerous infections.
- Kazakhstan is monitoring the border with Russia to prevent the spread of plague.
Mongolia has also heightened readiness in its border areas due to the threat.
International Response
The United States is also monitoring the situation. The U.S. State Department is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to track the potential outbreak. Some American politicians are calling for a temporary restriction on air travel with Russia.
Additionally, social media recalled a prediction made by Vladimir Zhirinovsky in 2020, stating that quarantine would only be declared after 200 deaths. However, Russian authorities deny any connection between the woman's death and the plague outbreak, stating that she died from pneumonia of unknown etiology and that no laboratory accident has been confirmed.