US Embassy urges Americans to leave Russia after suspected plague case in Siberia

The United States Embassy in Moscow issued a health alert on Tuesday, October 6, urging American citizens in Russia to leave the country "immediately" following reports of a suspected pneumonic plague case that killed a researcher in Siberia's Irkutsk region. The embassy stated the U.S. government has limited capacity to assist citizens, especially outside Moscow. The alert follows the death of 28-year-old researcher Darya Shipilova, who died on Friday, October 2, after being hospitalized with pneumonia of unknown cause. Russian authorities have implemented special measures, and all contacts are under medical supervision, though tests have not identified microorganisms linked to her professional activities. The U.S. State Department's Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Russia remains in effect, citing risks of wrongful detention and security concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there is no reason for alarm currently, but acknowledged the disease could spread rapidly. The World Health Organization has requested transparency from Russia regarding the death.