On October 6, 2026, US authorities officially requested Moscow to provide more information regarding the incident in the Irkutsk region, where a case of pneumonic plague has been reported, resulting in a person's death. In light of this, the US Embassy in Russia issued an urgent warning for American citizens.
Plague Threat Warning
The US Embassy reported that it is monitoring the situation regarding the possible case of pneumonic plague. Americans currently in the Irkutsk region have been advised to:
- Avoid visiting affected medical facilities.
- Seek medical attention immediately if experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms.
Travel Recommendations
The US Department of State confirmed that the travel advisory level for Russia remains at the highest level 4, which means "Do Not Travel." US citizens currently in Russia are strongly urged to leave the country immediately. This decision comes in response to the worsening epidemiological situation in the region.