Russia received the first international request about the incident on October 3

The World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations health agency, sent Russia a request on October 3 under the International Health Regulations. Its director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reported this on October 7.

The organization learned about the incident from media reports. The statement did not identify any single outlet whose publication prompted the request.

Russia responded on October 6. The organization then requested additional test results and contact information. This investigation has not obtained the complete original request or Russia’s laboratory attachments.