While the world is still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, a suspected case of bubonic plague has emerged in western Mongolia.

According to a report in New Straits Times quoting Xinhua news agency, the case occurred after an individual consumed marmot meal.

"A 27-year-old resident of Tsetseg soum in Khovd province was taken to a hospital on Sunday after eating marmot meat.



"Preliminary test results revealed on Monday that he… (had contracted) the bubonic plague," said Mongolia’s National Centre for Zoonotic Diseases (NCZD) in a statement.

Fighting for his life

NCZD further said that the man is in a critical condition and urged citizens not to eat the meat of the animal.

In 2019, a couple in Mongolia died after catching the plague upon consuming raw marmot meat.

According to the World Health Organisation, the disease is capable of killing an adult in less than 24 hours if not treated in a timely manner.