The US State Department is warning American travelers to “not travel” to any major country in the world and to “immediately leave” a major country after being informed of a suspected death from the plague.
“The Department of State’s Level 4 (Do Not Travel) travel advisory for Russia remains in effect and U.S. citizens currently in Russia should depart immediately,” the department said in a statement.
“U.S. citizens planning to travel to Russia are once again strongly advised against traveling to Russia due to the risk of wrongful detention and security concerns. »
On October 6, the department issued a public notice stating that it was aware of suspected pneumonic plague “resulting in the death of an individual and associated quarantine measures and hospital closures in Irkutsk.”
The department further warned travelers that the U.S. government has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, particularly outside of Moscow.
- Learn more: Russian plague incident: What we know about the mysterious death and quarantine
While Russia has been under a Level 4 travel advisory since at least December 2025, the US Embassy reminded citizens to leave the country after being informed of the suspected plague outbreak.
The department notes that the U.S. government has reduced its staff in the region, restricted embassy staff travel, and suspended all U.S. consulate operations.
The official advisory warns of security threats such as terrorism and unrest, adding that the likelihood of unjustified detention and unfair treatment of American citizens is high.
“Russian security services have arrested American citizens on false charges, denied them fair treatment, and convicted them without credible evidence,” the notice warns.
“Russian authorities have opened questionable investigations against American citizens because of their religious activities. »
What we know about the suspected plague
The World Health Organization confirmed news of suspected pneumonic plague on October 6, following the death of a Russian laboratory worker earlier that month.
The employee worked at the Anti-Plague Research Institute in Irkutsk, Siberia.
According to the WHO, the woman died on October 2 after being hospitalized with severe pneumonia.
Russia told the WHO that no cases of plague had been recorded recently in the Irkutsk region and that around 200 people who had contact with the woman had been placed in quarantine.
The WHO said it had requested more information about the laboratory tests carried out on the woman and her contacts, the reasons behind the public health measures and the health status of the contacts.
- Learn more: Highly contagious: Measles cases near 4,000 in US as outbreaks continue
The agency also sought to verify reports of a second employee suffering from pneumonia of undetermined cause.
On October 7, the WHO said it could not yet conduct a full risk assessment because it did not have a complete picture of the event.
Russia’s health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said the woman suffered from “pneumonia of unknown etiology” and that tests found no link to the pathogens she worked with, AP reported.
In a message posted on Telegram, Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev said that contacts of a suspected case were under medical observation, had no symptoms and tested negative for pathogens of dangerous infectious diseases.
The Shelekhov hospital, where she died, was also placed under quarantine, the city’s mayor said, AP reported.
What travelers should do if they have recently visited or are in Russia
The U.S. Department of State urges travelers to take the following actions if they have recently visited the area:
- Follow the guidelines of local health authorities.
- Avoid affected facilities.
- See a doctor if they develop fever or respiratory symptoms.
- Visit the CDC’s plague page for information on the disease.
- Visit the CDC’s Russia Travel Health page for country-specific health updates.
- Monitor your health for 14 days after travel.
- Visit the U.S. Embassy country page for general health information.
- Check with their travel insurance provider about medical evacuation options if they become ill abroad.
- Have an emergency exit plan that does not depend on assistance from the U.S. government.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive health and safety updates.
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