US reups do-not-travel warning for Russia over 'suspected pneumonic plague'

The United States State Department has once again emphasized the Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for American citizens visiting Russia, due to fears of a pneumonic plague outbreak after the death of researcher Daria Shipilova. The advisory has been in effect since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and was recently reiterated in December 2025 with no change to the risk indicators.

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow is aware of press reports about suspected pneumonic plague in Irkutsk, resulting in Shipilova's death and subsequent quarantine of 200 individuals who had contact with her. So far, none of the quarantined individuals have shown symptoms. The WHO has stated that the risk of a plague outbreak outside Russia is very low, and Russian authorities are leading the investigation.

However, the U.S. government's ability to assist citizens in Russia, especially those outside of Moscow, is limited. The State Department's Level 4 Travel Advisory for Russia remains in place, advising U.S. citizens in Russia to depart immediately, and strongly discouraging travel to Russia due to security concerns and risk of wrongful detention.