US Urges Citizens to Leave Russia Immediately After Suspected Plague Case

The United States urged its citizens to leave Russia "immediately" on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, following reports of a suspected pneumonic plague case, citing limited U.S. government assistance capacity. The alert was issued by the American embassy in Russia. The warning follows the death of a research worker in Siberia, though Russian authorities say tests were negative and the situation is under control. The embassy cited quarantine measures in the region but did not confirm the cause of death, while advising Americans to follow local health guidance and prepare emergency exit plans. The State Department maintained Russia at its highest travel advisory level, "Level 4: Do Not Travel," citing health risks and the threat of wrongful detention. President Donald Trump said he plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the case soon.