Two cases of bubonic plague confirmed in Mongolia

ULAN BATOR - Two suspected cases of bubonic plague reported in Khovd province in western Mongolia have been confirmed by lab test results, the country's health ministry said Wednesday.

The confirmed cases are a 27-year-old resident and his 17-year-old brother, who are being treated at two separate hospitals in their province, Dorj Narangerel, head of the public relations and surveillance department at the ministry, said at a press conference.

The brothers ate marmot meat on Sunday, the health official said, warning people not to eat marmot meat.

A total of 146 people who had contact with them have been isolated and treated at local hospitals, according to Narangerel.

Bubonic plague is a bacterial disease that is spread by fleas living on wild rodents such as marmots. It can kill an adult in less than 24 hours if not treated in time, according to the World Health Organization.