RuPaul's DragCon UK on January 18, 2020 in London (Tristan Fewings/Getty/World Of Wonder Productions)

RuPaul is sashaying away from DragCon LA, citing “an abundance of caution” over the coronavirus outbreak.

The annual expo of drag attracts thousands to Los Angeles for a celebration of self-expression, queer culture and the art of drag. It was originally set for May 1-3, but organisers have now pulled out in a bid to help control the spread of coronavirus.

Among the queens due to attend were Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, Acid Betty, Aiden Zhane, A’keria C. Davenport, Divina De Campo, Jujubee, Ariel Versace, Chi Chi DeVayne, Gigi Goode, as well as RuPaul himself.

A message on the website reads: “DragCon’s first priority is always the health and safety of everyone involved, and we’ve been actively tracking the situation around the coronavirus.

“The situation in California (and the world) is rapidly changing, with new information coming out every day. Unfortunately, there’s no way for anyone to know what the situation will be like in May.

“Due to that uncertainty, and out of an abundance of caution, we’ve decided that it’s in the best interest of the talent, staff, and attendees to cancel RuPaul’s DragCon L.A. 2020.”

It adds that Rupaul’s DragCon LA will return in 2021, promising it will be “better than ever.” Organisers said they will work with Eventbrite to issue refunds to ticket holders within a week.

The number of reported coronavirus cases in the US has jumped dramatically, reaching 1,000 on Tuesday. There have been at least 31 deaths, three of which were in California.

Several other high-profile events have been cancelled due to the virus, including the final dates on Madonna’s Madame X tour. Performances by Queen, Louis Tomlinson, Yungblud, Mariah Carey, Maluma, Green Day and BTS have also been impacted.

Coachella, South by Southwest, the SXSW Music, Film and Tech conference, Ultra Music Festival Abu Dhabi and Miami, and Tomorrowland Winter have all been postponed until a later date.