US Embassy Issues Health Alert Following Suspected Plague Death in Russia

The U.S. embassy in Russia issued a health alert on October 6th due to a suspected pneumonic plague death and subsequent quarantine in the Irkutsk region of Siberia. U.S. citizens are advised to heed local health guidance, seek prompt medical care for any fever or respiratory symptoms, and arrange for potential medical evacuation and emergency departure from the country.

• U.S. embassy in Russia issued a health alert on Oct. 6.
• The alert follows reports of a suspected pneumonic plague death and quarantine in Irkutsk, Siberia.
• U.S. citizens are advised to follow local health authority guidance.
• Citizens should avoid affected facilities.
• Seek immediate medical care for fever or respiratory symptoms.
• Check travel insurance for medical evacuation options.
• Prepare an emergency plan to leave Russia without U.S. government assistance.
• The U.S. government is monitoring the situation but has limited ability to assist citizens in Russia, especially outside Moscow.