Plague fears in Siberia: How are Irkutsk residents reacting?

FILE: Heavy smoke covers the center of the eastern Siberian city of Chita, Russia - Copyright Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved Copyright Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved Published on 07/10/2026 - 12:56 GMT+2 Irkutsk residents react to reports of a suspected pneumonic plague death at a local anti-plague institute, with authorities saying the cause of death remains unconfirmed. Residents of the Siberian city of Irkutsk have reacted to reports that a worker at the local Research Institute for Plague Control died from suspected pneumonic plague. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Authorities say the cause of death has not been confirmed, while Russia’s health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor has denied claims that special measures were introduced. Some residents say they are not particularly concerned, noting that no cases have been confirmed and that people who had contact with the worker were isolated. Others remain sceptical about the official explanation, with some questioning whether there was a laboratory leak or suggesting that more could be happening behind the scenes. Watch the video for more. Go to accessibility shortcuts Read more