World
US Embassy Urges Americans to Leave Russia Amid Suspected Plague Death
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has updated its warning for Americans, urging them to avoid travel to Russia and to depart the country immediately. The alert follows the death of 28‑year‑old laboratory technician Darya Shipilova, who worked at the Irkutsk Research Anti‑Plague Institute in Siberia. Shipilova’s death is suspected to have been caused by pneumonic plague, a claim that has sparked international debate and prompted quarantine measures and hospital closures in the Irkutsk region.
The embassy stated it is monitoring the situation closely and that U.S. government personnel may face additional restrictions for personal and official travel to certain areas due to health and security concerns. U.S. citizens in the affected area are advised to follow local health authorities, avoid affected facilities, and seek medical care promptly if they develop fever or respiratory symptoms. Travelers should monitor their health for 14 days after visiting an outbreak area, review the embassy’s list of medical providers, and check with their travel insurance for evacuation options.
The State Department’s Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) for Russia remains in place, and U.S. citizens currently in Russia are urged to leave immediately. Those planning travel are strongly advised not to travel to Russia because of the risk of wrongful detention and security concerns.
The incident has led to the quarantine of nearly 200 people in Siberia, who are under medical observation. The Russian consumer welfare service said Shipilova died of “pneumonia of unknown etiology.” WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has requested details on the cause of the severe pneumonia and the pathogen that prompted public health measures, as well as information on reports of a second employee with pneumonia of undetermined cause.
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed concern about the suspected plague and plans to discuss the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged Russian authorities to share more information about the alleged plague leak.