The U.S. Embassy urges Americans to leave Russia amid a possible alert concerning pneumonic plague in the Irkutsk region

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has advised American citizens in Russia to leave the country immediately, amid reports of a possible case of pneumonic plague in the Irkutsk region. U.S. diplomats warned that they may be able to provide only limited assistance, particularly outside Moscow.

Approximately 200 people were reportedly hospitalized, and several medical facilities were placed under quarantine after the death of Daria Shipilova, a 27-year-old employee of the local plague-fighting institute. U.S. authorities urged citizens to follow local health guidelines, avoid affected hospitals and seek medical assistance if they develop a fever or respiratory symptoms. After possible exposure, monitoring one’s health for 14 days is recommended.

Russia, however, denies that the woman died of plague. Rospotrebnadzor announced that she had pneumonia of unknown etiology, while the governor of the Irkutsk region said biological samples did not indicate microorganisms associated with the victim’s professional activities.

Epidemiologist Mikhail Favorov says the results do not categorically rule out plague, as identifying the bacterium can fail in rapidly progressing cases. Moscow says the situation is calm and that none of the 189 people who came into contact with Shipilova is showing signs of the disease. The State Department continues to advise Americans against traveling to Russia, also citing the risk of wrongful detention.