US Embassy warns Americans of plague in Russia, urges them to leave Russia
Photo: The US Embassy warned Americans about the plague in the Irkutsk region (File photo, Getty Images)
The US Embassy in Moscow issued an official warning over a suspected case of pneumonic plague in the Irkutsk region. Americans were reminded that they should leave Russia immediately.
The diplomatic mission is monitoring reports from the Irkutsk region about a possible case of pneumonic plague, a person's death, quarantine, and the closure of hospitals.
The embassy acknowledges that its ability to assist Americans in Russia is limited, especially outside Moscow. US government employees may face additional restrictions on travel to certain regions due to health and security threats.
Those in the region are advised to follow the instructions of local medical professionals, avoid facilities where quarantine has been imposed, and seek medical attention immediately in case of fever or respiratory symptoms.
Those who have recently visited the outbreak area should monitor their health for 14 days. The embassy also advises checking with their insurer about the possibility of medical evacuation and having an exit plan that does not depend on assistance from the US government.
The State Department continues to maintain its highest, Level 4 warning for Russia: Do Not Travel. Americans who are in the country are advised to leave immediately due to the risk of wrongful detention and security threats.
The plague case occurred in the Irkutsk region in early October. On the night of October 2, a 28-year-old laboratory technician at the Irkutsk Antiplague Institute died at a hospital in Shelekhov. According to local media, a week earlier she had broken a test tube containing the pneumonic plague pathogen. About 200 people who had contact with her were isolated, while regional authorities have still not officially named the diagnosis.
US President Donald Trump said he was aware of the situation and promised to help Russia. According to him, disease pathogens have become stronger, "like an army," so medicines that previously worked are now less effective.
