US Urges Citizens to Leave Russia After Suspected Plague Outbreak in Irkutsk

The United States has urged its citizens to leave Russia immediately due to a suspected outbreak of pneumonic plague in the Irkutsk region, citing limited ability to provide assistance to Americans there. The U.S. Embassy in Russia issued a warning based on press reports of a suspected plague case that led to a death, triggering quarantine measures and hospital closures in Irkutsk. The State Department's Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Russia remains in effect, and those who stay are advised to have their own evacuation plans. The incident stems from a lab worker who likely broke a vial containing the plague pathogen on September 25 and died on October 2. Russian authorities imposed quarantine and isolated nearly 200 contacts while attempting to limit information spread. The WHO confirmed receiving information, and U.S. President Donald Trump offered assistance.