USA urges its citizens to immediately leave Russia due to a possible plague outbreak
The US Embassy issued a separate health alert following the death of an employee of an anti-plague institute in the Irkutsk region and quarantine measures in hospitals. American authorities admit they will be almost unable to assist their citizens outside of Moscow and advised preparing for independent evacuation.
The US Embassy in Russia published a health alert on October 6 in connection with reports of a possible case of pulmonary plague in the Irkutsk region.
“The U.S. Embassy is aware of press reports from the Irkutsk region concerning a suspected case of pulmonary plague that resulted in one death, as well as associated quarantine measures and hospital closures in Irkutsk. We continue to monitor the situation closely,” the statement reads.
American authorities emphasized that their ability to assist their compatriots in Russia is severely limited.
“The U.S. government has limited ability to provide assistance to U.S. citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow,” the embassy warned.
The State Department maintains the highest, fourth level of danger for Russia — "Do Not Travel."
The warning states that Americans already in Russia should leave immediately. Those planning a trip are strongly advised to cancel it.
This recommendation was in effect earlier, but now the embassy reiterated it in a separate message dedicated to the suspected plague.
U.S. citizens in the Irkutsk region were advised not to visit facilities affected by quarantine measures and to seek medical attention immediately if they develop a fever or respiratory symptoms.
Americans were also advised to check in advance with their insurance company about medical evacuation options.
“Have an emergency exit plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance,” the warning states.
Reports of possible plague emerged after the death of an employee of the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute. Russian media reported that she might have contracted the pulmonary form of the disease. Following her death, quarantine was introduced in some medical facilities, and people who had contact with the woman were placed under observation.
Rospotrebnadzor claims that the woman had "pneumonia of unknown etiology," and studies allegedly did not detect microorganisms associated with her professional activities. The Russian agency describes the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the region as stable.
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