The U.S. Embassy in Russia has urged American citizens to leave the country immediately amid reports of a suspected case of pneumonic plague in the Irkutsk region. The embassy also highlighted reports of a death, quarantine measures and hospital closures.
The warning was published in an official notice by the U.S. Embassy in Russia.
The embassy said it was monitoring reports from the Irkutsk region of a suspected case of pneumonic plague that resulted in a death, as well as quarantine measures and hospital closures in Irkutsk.
“We continue to track the situation closely,” the embassy said.
Americans in the area were urged to follow guidance from local health authorities, avoid facilities affected by restrictions and seek medical care promptly if they develop fever or respiratory symptoms. Those who have traveled to areas where such cases were reported are advised to monitor their health for 14 days.
The embassy also stressed that Washington’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia remains limited, especially outside Moscow. U.S. government personnel may face additional restrictions on travel to certain regions because of health and security concerns.
“U.S. citizens currently in Russia should depart immediately,” the embassy said, reiterating the State Department’s Level 4, highest-level travel advisory.
The recommendation not to travel to Russia remains in place because of the risk of wrongful detention and security concerns. Americans are also advised to have an emergency departure plan that does not depend on assistance from the U.S. government.
The embassy’s notice came amid a situation in the Irkutsk region, where a 28-year-old employee of the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute died in early October. About 200 people who had been in contact with her were subsequently isolated, while Russian authorities have not officially confirmed a diagnosis of plague and have urged the public “not to believe rumors.” U.S. President Donald Trump said he was aware of the situation and expressed readiness to provide assistance to Russia.
