Bubonic plague now extends to Russia's frontiers

In the remote and picturesque region of Khövsgöl, located near the border with Russia in northern Mongolia, a resident has been diagnosed with bubonic plague. This development comes amidst an ongoing outbreak of the disease that has been affecting various parts of the country.

The National Health Service of Mongolia has confirmed that as of August 15, 2025, natural foci of bubonic plague have been identified in 130 soums, or districts, across 17 aimags, or provinces, in the country. The region where the latest outbreak was identified is the Khovd Province.

The bubonic plague, a potentially fatal infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, has been a recurring issue in Mongolia, particularly in its border regions with Russia. In fact, from 2014 to 2024, the disease was confirmed in 20 people, resulting in nine deaths.

The current patient is being treated at a multi-profile regional hospital, and the local emergency commission in Khövsgöl has imposed a partial quarantine in the settlement of Tsagaan-Uul as a precautionary measure.

The bubonic plague is typically transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas that have fed on infected rodents such as marmots. People can also get infected by handling marmot carcasses or consuming their meat. It's worth noting that hunting marmots has been banned since 2005 due to the risk of bubonic plague.

The recent drills held in Chita, Russia, were aimed at hospitalizing a patient suspected of having the bubonic plague, underscoring the transboundary nature of the disease. Two-thirds of Mongolia's territory is part of the transboundary Saylyugem natural plague focus with Russia.

The bubonic plague remains endemic in these border regions, posing a continuous threat to public health. However, the Mongolian government and health authorities are working diligently to monitor and control the outbreak, providing updates and guidance to the public to ensure their safety.