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PLAGUE RUSSIA

How we report

Editorial Policy

Accuracy over speed. Every event carries an explicit status, at least one source, and a last-updated time. We never describe an unconfirmed event as a confirmed outbreak.

1. Status labels

Each event is assigned exactly one status. These are the only values used:

  • Confirmed — Officially confirmed by a health authority or laboratory — pathogen and case(s) publicly verified.
  • Suspected — Clinical or laboratory clues exist; officials describe the case as suspected or awaiting tests.
  • Under investigation — The event is real, but the cause/pathogen is not established, or official and media accounts conflict.
  • Monitoring — No cases; risk signals only — e.g. natural-focus activity or contacts under observation.
  • No confirmed cases — Officials have explicitly stated there are no confirmed cases for this disease at this location.
  • Resolved — Officials have declared the event over, or the observation period has ended.

2. Source grading

  • Tier 1: WHO / IHR notifications & DONs, ECDC, US CDC, national health ministries and regulators (e.g. Rospotrebnadzor).
  • Tier 2: Wire services and major media (Reuters, AP, CNN, BBC, …) citing official statements.
  • Tier 3: Local media, Telegram channels and social posts — treated as unverified leads only, never as a basis for figures.

3. Wording rules

  • We use “reported”, “according to”, “officials say”, and “not confirmed”.
  • We separate Official statement from Media reports on every event page.
  • Media-only figures are marked with an asterisk and footnoted “Media report, not officially confirmed”.
  • We do not use alarmist framing such as “outbreak spreads”, “panic” or “doomsday”.
  • Personal details of the deceased are shown only when reported by major media, and with restraint.

4. Update process

New information is logged against the event and to a timeline. During an active event we re-check at least every 6–12 hours and update immediately on material change. Any status change records the reason and timestamp.

5. Corrections

Errors are corrected promptly and recorded on the corrections page with the date and what changed.

6. Medical disclaimer

This is health-related (YMYL) information. It is general information only and is not medical advice. Always defer to the WHO and your local health authority.