SRINAGAR: The US Embassy in Moscow has issued a health alert following reports of a suspected pneumonic plague case in Russia’s Irkutsk region, where a person has died and quarantine measures have reportedly been introduced at hospitals.
The embassy said it was closely monitoring reports about the suspected case. Russian authorities, however, have said the deceased died from pneumonia of unknown origin and that tests did not identify pathogens linked to her work.
The deceased was reportedly a laboratory worker associated with the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute. Following her death, people who may have been in contact with her have reportedly been isolated or placed under medical observation, while restrictions have also been reported at medical facilities in the region.
The US Embassy said the US Government’s ability to provide assistance to American citizens in Russia was limited, particularly outside Moscow. It added that US Government personnel could face additional restrictions on personal and official travel to certain regions because of health and security concerns.
The embassy also reiterated the US State Department’s Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Russia, which advises US citizens already in the country to leave immediately. Americans planning to travel to Russia have been urged not to do so because of security risks, including the possibility of wrongful detention.
US citizens in the affected area have been advised to follow instructions from local health authorities, avoid facilities affected by the reported incident and seek medical attention promptly if they develop fever or respiratory symptoms.
Those who have travelled to an area experiencing the reported outbreak have been advised to monitor their health for 14 days after travel.
The embassy has also advised American citizens to consult the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s information on plague and its Russia-specific travel health guidance. They have been urged to monitor local media, remain prepared to alter their travel plans and maintain an emergency departure plan that does not rely on US Government assistance.
Americans overseas have further been advised to review information on medical providers, check medical evacuation arrangements with their travel insurers and enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for health and security updates.
The reported case has attracted attention because of the deceased worker’s association with an anti-plague research facility and concerns over the possibility of pneumonic plague. However, there has been no publicly confirmed evidence of wider plague transmission among residents of Irkutsk. Russian health authorities have said the epidemiological situation in the region remains stable.
Pneumonic plague is a serious form of plague that affects the lungs and can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. The disease can be treated with antibiotics, particularly when treatment is started promptly.
