U.S. Embassy Warns Americans of Plague Risk in Russia, Urges Immediate Departure

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has warned American citizens of a potential plague threat in Russia's Irkutsk region and urged them to leave the country immediately. The embassy also advised against any travel to Russia. The warning follows press reports of a suspected pneumonic plague case in Irkutsk that allegedly killed a person, prompting quarantine measures and hospital closures. The embassy noted the U.S. government has limited ability to assist citizens in Russia, especially outside Moscow. The U.S. maintains its highest Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Russia, citing risks of wrongful detention and safety issues. Demand for protective gear in Russia has surged, with respirator sales nearly doubling and searches for plague doctor masks exceeding 10,000.