Kazakhstan's Ministry of Health has launched a comprehensive set of sanitary and anti-epidemic measures after 48 cases of intestinal infection were recorded among students at the Republican Physics and Mathematics School in Almaty. The news is reported by infohub.kz.
According to the ministry's press service, an inspection of the food facility was carried out, revealing violations of sanitary requirements. As a result, five orders were issued, restrictive measures were introduced, and disinfection was conducted. Contacts have been placed under medical observation.
According to the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, specialists inspected the food facility of Master Food LLP, where violations were found in product storage requirements, daily sampling of prepared dishes, and food service organization.
To identify the source of infection, water and food samples were collected, swabs were taken, and food facility workers were examined. Laboratory tests are ongoing.
"Based on the inspection results, five orders were issued providing for the suspension of the school and cafeteria operations, a ban on the sale of certain dishes, the introduction of temporary sanitary measures, and the seizure of dairy products lacking the necessary accompanying documents," the Health Ministry said.
It is noted that disinfection was carried out in the boarding school building. Contacts are under medical observation, and some children have been isolated in the boarding school as a preventive measure.
As of October 14, 48 cases have been recorded. All those affected have been hospitalized, and their condition is stable. There are no patients requiring intensive care, the ministry emphasized.
Based on the inspection results, the materials have been sent to law enforcement agencies for review and procedural decision-making in accordance with the established legal procedure.
"The Health Ministry reminds entrepreneurs of the mandatory compliance with sanitary requirements in food service organization, including purchasing products from reliable suppliers, observing storage and cooking conditions, having permits, and ensuring workers undergo timely medical examinations," the ministry stated.
The situation is under the control of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The epidemiological investigation and necessary measures to protect children's health, determine the causes of the disease, and prevent new cases of infection are ongoing.
Earlier, it was reported that dozens of students at the Republican Physics and Mathematics School in Almaty were hospitalized with signs of acute intestinal infection, after which inspections began at the school. Later, the Almaty Public Health Department reported updated data on hospitalized students and their condition.