US embassy in Moscow warns citizens after suspected plague case

The US embassy in Russia has issued an update following reports of a suspected death from pneumonic plague and subsequent hospital closures and quarantine measures in the Irkutsk region.

In a statement, the embassy clarified that its monitoring of media reports does not constitute a new travel warning, nor does it alter the current Level 4 travel advisory from the US Department of State, which has advised against all travel to Russia since December 29, 2025, due to risks of terrorism, unrest, and arbitrary detention.

According to the statement, the alert noted: "The US government's ability to assist its citizens in Russia is limited, especially outside Moscow. The Level 4 travel advisory remains in effect and urges Americans currently in Russia to depart immediately."

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said in a statement that Russian authorities have not recorded any plague cases in Irkutsk, and the official cause of death for the laboratory employee remains unconfirmed as of yesterday.

The organization stressed that pneumonic plague can be fatal within 18 to 24 hours without treatment, but common antibiotics are effective if administered early.

The World Health Organization has requested clarification from Russia regarding reports of a second laboratory employee developing pneumonia.

The official "TravelGov" account of the US Department of State on X stated that the embassy is aware of media reports about a suspected pneumonic plague case in Irkutsk, the resulting quarantine, and hospital closures, and is closely monitoring the situation, though there is no independent confirmation of the claims.

View the tweet on X