Bubonic plague spread due to eating marmot meat in Mongolia, 17 provinces on high alert; WHO warned

New Delhi. There has been a stir in the health department after a new case of bubonic plague came to light in Mongolia. western country Khovd The infection has been confirmed in one person in the province. According to preliminary investigation, the infected person contracted the virus during the journey. marmot Had eaten the meat of a wild rodent, after which severe symptoms of plague started appearing in him. After the incident, 17 out of 21 provinces of Mongolia have been placed in the high-risk zone.

Serious symptoms seen after eating marmot meat

According to the National Center for Zoonotic Diseases (NCZDD) of Mongolia, the infected person recently bayan-ulgi Went to Ulankhus area of ​​the province. There he ate marmot meat. After some time, she started having high fever, weakness and painful swollen lumps (buboes) formed in various parts of the body, especially the neck, armpits and thighs. Final bacteriological examination confirmed bubonic plague infection.

Government issued health alert

After confirming the case, health officials have issued an emergency warning. People have been urged not to hunt marmots, not to come into contact with its meat or internal organs and to maintain distance from sick or dead wild rodents. Officials say that even a little carelessness can spread the infection rapidly.

Illegal hunting continues despite ban

There is a legal ban on hunting marmot in Mongolia, but despite this, illegal hunting continues in many areas. At the local level, it is considered a tasty and nutritious food, due to which people ignore the rules and consume it. According to experts, this trend is becoming a major reason for the re-spread of plague.

Risk of infection increases in summer

According to NCZDD experts, the risk of plague spread is higher during summer. During this season, people travel to rural and mountainous areas, where the chances of coming into contact with marmots and other wild rodents increase. Many cases of plague have been reported in Mongolia during the same period in previous years.

17 provinces declared high-risk

According to the health department, 17 of Mongolia’s 21 provinces are currently included in plague-affected or high-risk areas. Three confirmed cases of bubonic plague were also reported in September last year. At that time, about 80 people who came in contact with the infected patients were isolated and kept under observation as a precautionary measure.

What is bubonic plague?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), bubonic plague Yersinia pestis It is a serious infection caused by bacteria. It can be spread mainly through the bites of infected fleas or by contact with infected wild animals or by consuming their meat. It is treatable if antibiotic treatment is given on time, but if treatment is delayed it can prove fatal.

History is recorded in the name of ‘Black Death’

Bubonic plague is the same disease that spread in the 14th century. ‘Black Death’ As it caused devastation in large parts of Europe and Asia. According to historical records, crores of people died in that epidemic. However, due to the availability of modern medicine and antibiotics, its effective treatment is possible today, if the patient reaches the hospital on time.

Danger remains in many countries of the world

According to WHO data, cases of plague have been reported from time to time in almost all continents except Oceania. in recent years Congo (DRC), Madagascar and Peru Those countries include, where relatively high cases of this disease have been recorded. In such a situation, the new case reported in Mongolia is a reminder that the health risks associated with contact with wild animals and their illegal hunting remain serious even today.