The US Embassy in Moscow issued a health alert over reports of suspected pneumonic plague, quarantines and hospital closures in Irkutsk. It reiterated the existing Level 4 travel advisory telling Americans not to visit Russia and those already there to depart immediately, citing wrongful detention and security concerns. The embassy warned that Washington has limited ability to assist Americans, especially outside Moscow.
The worker died on Oct. 2 after severe pneumonia, but reports of plague following an alleged laboratory exposure remain unconfirmed. Russian authorities told the World Health Organization that no plague case had recently been registered in the region, no high-threat pathogens were detected among the worker’s contacts and their medical observation had ended. The WHO is seeking the cause of the illness and details of a reported second employee with pneumonia. The US has sent a formal diplomatic request for information, while the CDC says there is no indication of a broader threat to the US.