The U.S. Embassy is aware of press reports from the Irkutsk region of suspected pneumonic plague resulting in the death of an individual and of associated quarantine measures in, and closures of, hospitals in Irkutsk, US Embassy to Russia reports.
"We continue to track the situation closely. The U.S. government has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow. U.S. government personnel may face additional restrictions for personal and official travel to specific regions due to health and security concerns.
The State Department’s Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) for Russia remains in place and states U.S. citizens currently in Russia should depart immediately. U.S. citizens planning travel to Russia are again strongly advised not to travel to Russia due to risk of wrongful detention and security concerns," the statement reads.
The Embassy suggests the following actions to take:
U.S. citizens in the area should follow the guidance of local health authorities, avoid affected facilities, and seek medical care promptly if they develop fever or respiratory symptoms.
Visit the CDC Page on Plague for additional information about the disease.
Visit the CDC Travelers’ Health Page for Russia for country-specific health updates.
Monitor your health for 14 days following travel if you traveled to an area experiencing the outbreak.
Review the U.S. Embassy country page for general health information.
Refer to the Embassy’s list of medical providers.
Check with your travel insurance provider about medical evacuation options should you fall ill while overseas.
Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. Government help.
Monitor local media for updates. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP ) to receive health and security updates.
