Western Mongolia - Mongolia - page 559

Bubonic Plague
» This disease (which wiped out one-third of Europe during the Middle Ages) makes an
appearance in remote parts of Mongolia in late summer. Almost 90% of reported cases
occur in August and September.
» The disease (also known as the Black Plague) is normally carried by rodents and can
be transmitted to humans by bites from fleas that make their home on the infected anim-
als. It can also be passed from human to human by coughing.
» The symptoms are fever and enlarged lymph nodes. The untreated disease has a 60%
death rate, but if you get to a doctor it can be quickly treated.
» The best (but not only) drug is the antibiotic Gentamicin, which is available in Mongolia.
» During an outbreak, travel to infected areas is prohibited, which can greatly affect over-
land travel. All trains, buses and cars travelling into Ulaanbaatar from infected areas are
also thoroughly checked when an outbreak of the plague has been reported, and vehicles
are sprayed with disinfectant.
Hepatitis
» This is a general term for inflammation of the liver.
» The symptoms are similar in all forms of the illness, and include fever, chills, headache,
fatigue and aches, followed by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark
urine, light-coloured faeces, jaundiced (yellow) skin and yellowing of the whites of the
eyes.
» People who have hepatitis should avoid alcohol for some time after the illness, as the
liver needs time to recover.
» Hepatitis A is transmitted by contaminated food and drinking water. You should seek
medical advice, but there is not much you can do apart from resting, drinking lots of fluids,
eating lightly and avoiding fatty foods.
» Hepatitis E is transmitted in the same way as hepatitis A; it can be particularly serious in
pregnant women.
» Hepatitis B is endemic in Mongolia. It is spread through contact with infected blood,
blood products or body fluids. The symptoms of hepatitis B may be more severe than type
A and the disease can lead to long-term problems such as chronic liver damage, liver
cancer or long-term carrier status.
» Hepatitis C and D are spread in the same way as hepatitis B and can also lead to long-
term complications.