50 People Suffer Gastrointestinal Disorders at Surb Grigor Lusavorich Hospital, Including Two Pregnant Women

Approximately 50 individuals have suffered from gastrointestinal disorders at Surb Grigor Lusavorich Medical Center. This was reported by the center's spokesperson, Tsovinar Khachatryan, in an interview with 'FactInfo'. Earlier reports indicated 33 cases of poisoning.

“As of yesterday, everyone was feeling well, and we are dealing more with a case of food disturbance because patients have not experienced fever; it is primarily their intestines that are affected. It turned out that the number is higher as there were individuals who left after their shifts. We called to inquire and learned they were experiencing diarrhea. Our epidemiologists conducted an investigation and found that the cases number around 50, of which eight are patients and 42 are healthcare workers,” Tsovinar Khachatryan told the news outlet.

Considering that everyone had similar complaints, specialists have initiated a food-based investigation. Khachatryan believes that not everyone could have caught a cold at the same time. The initial hypothesis was food-related.

“When the hospital was converted into an infectious disease center, it was a rule to prohibit bringing food from outside. Since we had 'Art Lunch', we had the resources to continue our collaboration with the company. The staff receives three meals a day, and children and pregnant women receive four. The food supply has been normal, proceeding as scheduled, with no delays. Now the incident has occurred, which is under investigation,” she stated.

In response to a comment by co-founder of the 'Art Lunch' food network, Bakur Melkonyan, who expressed his desire to avoid a repeat of past incidents when it was revealed that 'Art Lunch' was not to blame but rather a supplier organization, Khachatryan noted, “But that was no longer of interest to anyone.”

The spokesperson confirmed that she saw the director's Facebook post but clarified that they have not mentioned 'Art Lunch' by name.

“Since an investigation is ongoing and if you noticed, the Ministry of Health also issued a statement without mentioning 'Art Lunch', as nothing is clear yet. The investigation will show the rest. We only have a background of assumptions as the cases are around 50,” she added.

Khachatryan explained that the incident actually occurred when the second meal was served, meaning it happened before dinner.

“There were individuals who did not have dinner, but issues arose. This is primarily concerning the medical personnel. Weakness and diarrhea were experienced hours after lunch,” she stated.

The healthcare staff experienced diarrhea, and there was no issue in providing assistance. There were queues in the restroom. The staff continued to work normally, and no one complained. Khachatryan also ruled out COVID-19 cases, as most had already recovered, and symptomatic issues could not arise among the patients from a certain point onward.

Regarding the report that “pregnant women in the hospital had also been poisoned,” Tsovinar Khachatryan clarified, “We are talking about two pregnant women, and their cases have resolved more quickly than, for example, those of the doctors.”

Experts from the Armenian Ministry of Health’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, together with officials from the Food Safety Inspection Authority, are conducting an investigation at the healthcare facility, and samples have been sent for laboratory analysis. Results are expected within a week.