Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Bubonic Plague Confirmed in Mongolia
A person in Mongolia got sick with bubonic plague after eating marmot meat.
The disease is spread by fleas on wild rodents like marmots.
It can be very serious and even deadly if not treated quickly.
Mongolia has many areas where this disease can be a problem, especially in the summer.
Last year, there were three cases, and many people who were in contact with the sick people were isolated and treated.
The World Health Organization says plague can be treated with antibiotics, but it's important to avoid hunting or eating marmots to stay safe.
A case of bubonic plague was confirmed in Mongolia's Khovd province.
The patient contracted the disease after consuming marmot meat.
Mongolia's National Centre for Zoonotic Diseases warned against hunting or consuming marmots.
17 of Mongolia's 21 provinces are classified as plague-risk areas.
Bubonic plague can be fatal within 24 hours if untreated but can be treated with antibiotics.
- Who
- A patient in Khovd province, Mongolia
- What
- Confirmed case of bubonic plague
- When
- Final bacteriological laboratory testing confirmed the case
- Where
- Khovd province, Mongolia
- Why
- The patient consumed marmot meat while visiting Ulaankhus soum in Bayan-Ulgii province
Public Health Concerns
Cultural Practices
Hunting and Consumption of Marmots
Public Health Concerns
Hunting and consuming marmots is dangerous and increases the risk of bubonic plague infection.
Cultural Practices
Marmot meat is considered a delicacy and is part of cultural practices in some regions.
- Disease
- Bubonic Plague
- Location
- Khovd province, Mongolia
- Source of Infection
- Consumption of marmot meat
- Risk Areas
- 17 of Mongolia's 21 provinces
- Treatment
- Antibiotics
- Fatality Rate
- Can be fatal within 24 hours if untreated
- Previous Cases
- Three cases confirmed in September last year
- Isolation and Treatment
- 80 people isolated and treated