US Embassy Issues Health Alert Following Suspected Plague Death in Russia

The U.S. embassy in Russia on Oct. 6 issued a health alert following reports of a suspected pneumonic plague death and related quarantine measures in the Siberian region of Irkutsk

The alert advised U.S. citizens to follow the guidance of local health authorities and avoid going to any affected facilities. Citizens are urged to immediately seek medical care if they develop fever or respiratory symptoms.

It also advised citizens to check with travel insurance providers about medical evacuation options and prepare an emergency plan for leaving the country without requiring assistance from the United States.

The embassy said the U.S. government is monitoring the situation in Irkutsk closely but has “limited ability” to offer assistance to U.S. citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow.

The State Department kept the “Do Not Travel” advisory in place for Russia that urges U.S. citizens to leave the country immediately. It also noted that U.S. government personnel may be subject to additional travel restrictions in specific regions due to health and security concerns.

“U.S. citizens planning travel to Russia are again strongly advised not to travel to Russia due to risk of wrongful detention and security concerns,” the alert said.

The “Do Not Travel” warning for Russia was first issued on Jan. 23, 2022, about a month before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russian health authorities took preventive measures last week after a laboratory worker at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and the Far East died from pneumonia of unknown origin. Russian authorities said on Oct. 6 that no plague cases have been detected in Irkutsk.

President Donald Trump told reporters on Oct. 6 that he plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the possible outbreak “very soon.” Trump has previously said his administration was willing to help if needed.

This is a developing news story and will be updated.