Passengers arriving in Ulaanbaatar on a flight from the western province of Bayan-Ölgii were quarantined due to fears they may have had contact with two people who had succumbed to bubonic plague; it is believed the couple contracted the infection from eating raw meat from a type of squirrel (marmot) – ‘thought to be a folk remedy for good health’. A period of quarantine (since lifted) was also instituted in the provincial capital, Ölgii, stranding a number of foreign tourists. Read more. More on plague infections (WHO).
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.