The USA issues a health alert following suspicions of a fatal case of pneumonic plague in Irkutsk, Russia

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow told American citizens in Russia on Tuesday to strictly follow health recommendations, amid a possible case of pneumonic plague in the Irkutsk region. The alert was issued after the death of an employee of the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute, who developed a severe form of pneumonia.

Americans in the region are advised to seek medical assistance promptly if they develop a fever or respiratory symptoms and to monitor their health for 14 days after any possible trip to Irkutsk. The embassy also recommends that they check medical evacuation options and have a plan to leave Russia without depending on support from the U.S. government.

Russian authorities deny the existence of a confirmed case of plague and claim that the death was caused by pneumonia of unknown origin. The WHO announced that no other infections had been detected and that the risk to the general population is low.

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