U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District should be aware of reported cases of anthrax affecting humans and animals in the region.
As of August 3, local media sources report 20 confirmed cases of anthrax in humans, resulting in the death of one child. In total, more than 70 people have been hospitalized. Between 1,500 and 2,300 animals have died or been killed in conjunction with efforts to combat spread of the disease. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anthrax is spread by ingesting spores in the air, food, and drink, and is not transmitted by direct human-to-human contact.
Local media outlets report that the governor has declared a quarantine in the district, and the area immediately surrounding the site of the outbreak has been evacuated. Authorities have also banned the export of animals, furs, antlers, or meat, as well as mushrooms and berries, from the affected area. At this time, there have been no reports of the disease in neighboring regions.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to avoid travel to affected areas. U.S. citizens in or transiting through the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District should exercise caution, comply with local authorities’ instructions on quarantined areas, and follow local media for the latest information. Any U.S. citizens who believe they may have been exposed to infected animals or animal products should seek medical attention.
For further information about security in Russia:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Russia Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Refer to the U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg’s website for information on medical care and providers in this region.
- U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg is located at 15 Furshtatskaya Street and is open Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; telephone +7 (812) 331-2600. For after-hours emergencies, please call +7 (812) 331-2600.
- U.S. Consulate General Vladivostok is located at 32 Pushkinskaya Street and is open Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; telephone +7 (4232) 30-00-70. For after-hours emergencies, please call +7 (914) 791-0067.
- The U.S. Consulate General in Yekaterinburg is located at 15 Gogol Street and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday, +7 (343) 379-3001. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg is +7 (917) 569 3549.
- U.S. Embassy Moscow is located at 21 Novinsky Blvd., Moscow and is open Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; telephone +7 (495) 728-5577. For after-hours emergencies, please call +7 (495) 728-5000.
