Plague!

Mongolia: Plague, human

In Hovsgol Province, a 14-year-old child died from Plague in Tsetserleg County and was suspected to have contracted the disease through contact with a dog or marmot. A total of 69 contacts were isolated for observation and none of them developed fever so far. Mongolia has a high incidence of Plague. Cases have been reported in almost all provinces.
(Source: ProMED-mail 7 and 9 August 2007)

Ref: http://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/outbreaknews/2007/ond13august2007.html

I recounted all of this to Jane in the evening. It was a relatively short conversation.

Matt: You can get plague from Marmots.

Jane: You can get plague from Marmite?

Matt: No. Marmots.

Jane: Are they like bees or something?

Matt: No. They're like Marmots.