No Hospitalized Cases of Intestinal Infection Registered in Martuni According to the Ministry of Health

During the period of June 12-13, a total of 14 patients exhibiting symptoms characteristic of intestinal infections (general weakness, vomiting, diarrhea) were transferred from Martuni Medical Center to the National Center for Infectious Diseases (13 of them were children aged 1-4 years, and 1 was an adult). As a result of epidemiological investigations, an additional 2 patients with similar symptoms were identified on June 13, who are currently at home with a mild course of the illness. This information was reported by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia.

"The patients were admitted to Martuni Medical Center diagnosed with 'obstructive bronchitis' and 'bronchopneumonia', but they began to exhibit symptoms characteristic of intestinal infections, which indicates the registration of a nosocomial infection. As of June 16, 3 out of the 14 patients admitted to the National Center for Infectious Diseases have been discharged," the report states.

As part of the epidemiological investigation conducted at Martuni Medical Center, water samples were taken for laboratory testing, as well as swabs for pathogenic microflora. Samples from the medical staff were also collected for staphylococcus and bacterial culture testing. Additionally, samples were taken from children receiving treatment in the department and their caregivers.

As a result of the examinations, the toxin and antigen of Clostridium difficile were detected in the patients, while PCR tests for intestinal viral infections at the 'References' laboratory center also identified Noroviruses. Following the registration of the nosocomial infection, a study was conducted on the implementation of sanitary-epidemiological regimes and infection control processes at the medical center.

The epidemiological investigation found that the likely transmission mechanism is contact-based, as no discrepancies were found in the water samples. In light of this, the Ministry of Health urges people to:

• Follow hand hygiene protocols, wash hands frequently, especially before and after preparing food, eating, using the restroom, and after contact with a sick person.
• Raise awareness within medical organizations about disinfecting the environment in hospitals, using personal protective equipment, and maintaining hand hygiene protocols.
• Wash hands with running water and soap before and after contact with a patient, before and after using a computer keyboard in medical facilities, before and after preparing and serving food, before eating, before administering medication, and after using the restroom.
• Wash all food items (fruits, vegetables, berries) thoroughly with clean running water before consumption, and store food properly in appropriate temperature conditions in the refrigerator, choosing fresh, non-expired food items.