Get immediately checked if bitten by marmot flea
Experts advised travelers to avoid eating raw marmot, using animal organs for treatment, going near dead rodents, and bringing marmot meat to Ulaanbaatar.
Following a report of suspected marmot plague in Ulaanbaatar on August 4, the Ulaanbaatar Health Office and National Center of Zoonotic Diseases sent out a response team to conduct tests. It was reported that an eight-year-old boy ate two raw marmot bladders and suffered a fever, with his body temperature rising to 39 degrees Celsius. The boy was taken immediately to a hospital and was tested negative for marmot plague.
Although it was a false alarm, the disease would have spread to dozens of people by the time the boy arrived at the hospital if it was a real plague, said experts. Reports of suspected marmot plague cases are still being made to authorities despite their repeated warnings about the risks of using raw marmot meat for any purpose.
Authorities noted that the recent case is an indication that the three-year hunting ban is not being enforced and marmot meat is being smuggled into the capital.
The Ulaanbaatar Health Office and National Center of Zoonotic Diseases are cautioning people about risks of marmot plagues.
Anyone bitten or scratched by marmot fleas or any type of rodent are strongly advised to see a doctor immediately. People who are showing the following symptoms should also seek professional help:
» High fever (above 39 degrees Celsius)
» Muscle cramps
» Seizures
» Headache
» Smooth, painful lymph gland swelling called a bubo, commonly found in the groin, but may occur in the armpits or neck, most often near the site of the initial infection (bite or scratch)
» Pain may occur in the area before the swelling appears » Gangrene of the extremities such as toes, fingers, lips and tip of the nose » Other symptoms include heavy breathing, continuous vomiting of blood (hematemesis), aching limbs, coughing, and extreme pain caused by the decay or decomposition of the skin while the person is still alive.