Russia denies plague lab accident in Siberia as WHO seeks data

The World Health Organization has requested information from Russia about a possible plague death in Irkutsk, but Moscow has denied a laboratory accident and provided no response. WHO experts stated they lack a complete picture for a comprehensive risk assessment. Russia reported the scientist died of pneumonia of unknown origin, not pneumonic plague, and rejected reports of an incident at the institute. The WHO seeks details on tests conducted on the woman and about 200 others, materials used, safety protocols, and vaccination status. Between 2019 and 2025, ten countries reported nearly 4,000 plague cases to the WHO, including 423 deaths. The WHO assessed a media report on the matter as credible.