US Embassy Renews Travel Warning Following Suspected Plague Outbreak in Russia

This undated photo released by the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and Far East, shows the institute workers in a lab. The Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute of Siberia and Far East via AP

The U.S. embassy on Oct. 6 reissued a travel warning urging U.S. citizens against visiting Russia in light of a suspected pneumonia plague outbreak in the Siberian region of Irkutsk.

The embassy said it was aware of reports of suspected pneumonic plague linked to a death in Russia and related quarantine measures and hospital closures in Irkutsk, which borders Mongolia.

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

The embassy said the “Do Not Travel” advisory for Russia remains unchanged and urged U.S. citizens to leave the country immediately. It also noted that U.S. personnel remain subject to 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.