The US Embassy in Russia has posted a warning on its website for Americans in the Russian Federation and those planning to travel there, according to infohub.kz.
The diplomatic mission said it is monitoring media reports of a probable case of pneumonic plague in the Irkutsk region that resulted in a person's death, as well as quarantine measures and hospital closures in Irkutsk.
"The US Department of State urges US citizens currently in Russia to leave the country immediately. US citizens planning to travel to Russia are strongly advised to reconsider," the statement said.
The embassy emphasized that the US government has very limited ability to assist its citizens in Russia, especially outside Moscow.
Americans in Russia were advised to follow local health authorities' instructions, avoid medical facilities under restrictions, and seek help immediately if fever or respiratory symptoms appear.
Those who were in the area of the possible outbreak are advised to monitor their health for 14 days.
Recall that media previously reported that an employee of an anti-plague institute in Russia's Irkutsk region died with suspected plague. It was assumed that the deceased accidentally broke a test tube containing the dangerous bacterium in the laboratory while collecting biomaterial for diagnosis.
However, the cause of death of the 28-year-old woman in the Irkutsk region is described as pneumonia of undetermined etiology.
Soon after, the Ministry of Health reported on measures taken in Kazakhstan following information about a suspected case of a particularly dangerous infection in Russia.