Russia is monitoring 189 people after possible exposure to plague in the Irkutsk region

Nearly 200 people, specifically 189, are under medical observation in the Irkutsk region of eastern Siberia after an employee of an anti-plague research institute fell ill. The case sparked concern after the 27-year-old woman reportedly returned from a trip to Buryatia, where an outbreak had been reported near the border with Mongolia.

According to local media, the employee reportedly died, while the head of the Republic of Buryatia said the death was caused by an unspecified form of plague. Initial information indicated suspected pneumonic plague.

Russia’s Federal Service for Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being, Rospotrebnadzor, said, however, that the woman had been diagnosed with “pneumonia of unknown etiology.” Extensive tests did not identify microorganisms associated with her professional activity, and authorities said the epidemiological situation in Irkutsk and Shelekhov is stable.

The White House is monitoring the case and quarantine measures, while the WHO and Russian and U.S. health authorities did not immediately comment.