Global plague outbreaks, natural foci and historical events map
12
Recorded events
7
Countries / areas
2,597
Modern confirmed cases
12/12
Source-linked
This is a source-linked demonstration dataset, not an official real-time surveillance system. · Last reviewed Oct 14, 2026
Current monitoring brief
Ruled out
Irkutsk pneumonia event under monitoring
Current assessment：Russian authorities have ruled out plague. WHO found no evidence of ongoing transmission, but confidence remains limited because the cause, source and mode of exposure are still undetermined.
What is established
Russian authorities classified the death as pneumonia of undetermined etiology and reported to WHO that it was not caused by plague.
Not yet confirmed
Media and social channels described a laboratory accident involving pneumonic plague; Russian authorities said two independent investigations found no biosafety or biosecurity incident.
Still unknown
The causative agent, source and mode of exposure remain undetermined; WHO says a laboratory-associated exposure cannot yet be fully excluded.
Next watch point
Watch for a final etiological diagnosis, any newly linked cases, or a WHO update that changes confidence in the risk assessment.
Outbreak Statistics
Cumulative · Recorded dataset
Dataset coverage
100%Source-linked
Historical estimates and modern surveillance are separated. Natural foci are excluded from human case totals.
Latest editorial updates
Dated source summaries · newest first
Editorially reviewed
Plague MapRuled out
Latest source review completed
At this review, no newer official information changed WHO's 10 October assessment: plague remains ruled out, no ongoing transmission has been identified, and the fatal illness remains unexplained.
Hong Kong Centre for Health ProtectionRuled out
Hong Kong enhances related pneumonia surveillance
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection alerted doctors to pneumonia of unknown etiology among recent travellers from Irkutsk Oblast. The notice repeated WHO's assessment and reported no new plague case.
WHORuled out
WHO publishes formal outbreak notice
WHO reported that more than 5,500 tests found no high-threat pathogen and all asymptomatic contacts completed follow-up. No ongoing transmission was identified, but the fatal illness remains unexplained.
Associated PressRuled out
Contact monitoring ends
Russian authorities said quarantine and observation measures were complete and no dangerous pathogens were found.
Country & area data
Dataset coverage—not a complete global case registry
| Country / area | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madagascar | 2 | 2,536 | 249 | Nov 27, 2017 |
| India | 2 | 16 | 4 | Feb 19, 2002 |
| China | 2 | N/A | N/A | Apr 30, 1911 |
| DR Congo | 1 | 45 | 9 | Jul 15, 2020 |
| Russia | 1 | 0 | 0 | Oct 12, 2026 |
| United States | 1 | N/A | N/A | Jan 31, 1925 |
| United Kingdom | 1 | N/A | N/A | Dec 31, 1666 |
Selected reading
In-depth analysis, data methods and guides
Bubonic, septicemic and pneumonic plague: the differences that matter
A source-reviewed comparison of the three main forms of plague, including symptoms, incubation, transmission, progression and why urgent care matters.
Where is plague found today? Endemic regions, natural foci and map limits
Where modern plague persists, which countries report most human cases, how natural foci differ from outbreaks and why maps never show the whole risk picture.
Russia plague reports: what is confirmed and what remains unknown
WHO’s formal 10 October update on the Irkutsk laboratory worker’s death, the negative plague tests and the questions that remain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Evidence-based answers from WHO and CDC
Does plague still exist today?⌄
Yes. Plague persists in natural foci in several regions and occasionally causes human cases.
How is plague transmitted?⌄
Most often through infected flea bites or contact with infected animals. Pneumonic plague can spread through close-range droplets.
Can plague be treated?⌄
Yes. Prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics is critical. Contact medical services immediately after a suspected exposure or compatible symptoms.
Do map points show exact case locations?⌄
No. Points are approximate locations from public reports—not patient addresses or risk boundaries.
Does N/A mean zero?⌄
No. N/A can mean not reported, not established, not applicable or not calculable.
Does a natural focus mean a human outbreak is active?⌄
No. A natural focus indicates long-term circulation among animal hosts and vectors and is not counted as human cases.
How often is the data updated?⌄
Editors review records according to source importance. Every event shows its data-through and editorial-review dates; this demo is not real-time.
May I cite these figures?⌄
Yes, but also open and cite the original sources on the event page and retain the data date and definition.