MOSCOW, October 6. /TASS/. The incidence of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in the Irkutsk Region is 12.6% below the epidemic threshold and in line with long-term averages, the press service of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) reported.

"The incidence rate is 12.6% below the epidemic threshold and corresponds to long-term averages. Respiratory viruses typical of this time of year are circulating, with rhinovirus predominating. The first influenza cases, mainly A(H1N1), are also being recorded," the statement said.

Rumors previously circulated online that a female employee of an anti-plague institute in the Irkutsk Region had been diagnosed with plague. Rospotrebnadzor later said she had been diagnosed with pneumonia of undetermined etiology.