Mongolia’s health ministry ordered continuous monitoring at crossings in Selenge province after reports that an employee of a Siberian anti-plague institute had died. Russian authorities said the cause of the woman’s death was undetermined and that they saw no epidemic risk to the public.
The Mongolian ministry described the current risk level as low but directed agencies to take precautionary measures and strengthen health surveillance. Border crossings in Selenge province remain open and are operating normally.
The Russian outlet People of Baikal reported that a 28-year-old employee of a research institute in Irkutsk region died on Oct. 2. Russian authorities said she had pneumonia of undetermined origin. Rospotrebnadzor said on Oct. 7 that it saw no epidemic risk to the population.
Reports of a possible plague infection have not been officially confirmed. The Associated Press, citing the World Health Organization, said Russia had reported no registered plague cases in Irkutsk region and that tests had found no dangerous pathogens among contacts.
Mongolia announced border monitoring after reports about the employee’s death. Authorities did not announce border closures or movement restrictions. Crossings in Selenge province remain open.