diff --git a/src/wp-includes/ms-load.php b/src/wp-includes/ms-load.php
index 3133d2473c..6c698fcdde 100644
--- a/src/wp-includes/ms-load.php
+++ b/src/wp-includes/ms-load.php
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ function ms_site_check() {
 				/* translators: %s: admin email link */
 				sprintf(
 					__( 'This site has not been activated yet. If you are having problems activating your site, please contact %s.' ),
-					sprintf( '<a href="mailto:%s">%s</a>', $admin_email )
+					sprintf( '<a href="mailto:%1$s">%1$s</a>', $admin_email )
 				)
 			);
 		}