US Embassy Warns Americans to Leave Russia After Siberian Plague Institute Death

The US Embassy in Moscow has issued a health alert following the death of a worker at a plague research institute in Siberia, reiterating its advice for Americans to leave Russia. The warning comes amid fears of a possible outbreak, though Russian authorities have not confirmed the cause of death. A 28-year-old woman died of pneumonia of unknown cause at the Siberian institute, prompting Russian authorities to raise the alarm. The embassy's Tuesday alert cites reports of hospitals being placed in quarantine, and advises Americans to follow local health guidance, avoid affected institutions, and seek medical care if symptoms appear. The embassy notes the US has limited ability to assist citizens in Russia, especially outside Moscow. The strictest US travel advisory for Russia has been in effect since January 2022. The WHO reports no plague cases in Irkutsk but urges transparent information sharing, while Russian officials deny a health crisis and say they notified the WHO per procedure.