16 Children and 7 Adults Hospitalized in Gyumri with Symptoms of Intestinal Infection

On June 25, a total of 43 individuals exhibited symptoms characteristic of an intestinal infection (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) and sought treatment at the Gyumri Infectious Diseases Hospital, with 23 patients (16 children and 7 adults) subsequently hospitalized. Their health status is assessed as severe to moderate.

According to the Ministry of Health, an epidemiological investigation revealed that the affected individuals are residents of the Ayrium community in Tavush Province, including 29 sixth-grade students from Ayrium School and 14 adults. The group had traveled to Shirak Province that same day for an excursion via two buses. Participants reportedly consumed homemade kebabs prepared earlier that morning in the ‘Jardi Dzor’ area of Shirak Province, which were stored without refrigeration.

Microbiological samples have been taken from the patients for further analysis.

Considering the hot weather during this time of year, when people often engage in outdoor activities or travel for leisure, the Ministry of Health warns and advises the public to observe a series of essential rules for safe and proper leisure organization:

• Do not give children foods containing sausage, prosciutto, meat, poultry, fat, cheese, or eggs unless you have refrigeration or suitable conditions to keep these products fresh.
• Avoid serving salads to children, which can spoil quickly in hot weather and lead to severe food poisoning.
• Do not keep food in cars for more than an hour.
• Exercise caution with berries and fruits and vegetables that spoil quickly, such as grapes, cherries, and peaches; prefer carrots, pears, and apples instead.
• Only consume food that is high-quality and epidemiologically safe.
• When preparing grilled foods, ensure that the meat is well-cooked (guarantee complete thermal processing).
• When using eggs, wash the shells before handling them, ideally with a mild solution of food soda.
• Use personal or disposable tableware and hygiene items.
• Drink only clean water — boiled or bottled — and avoid water from natural sources.
• Create conditions for regular handwashing (before eating and after using the restroom) and wash fruits and vegetables with running water.
• Avoid swimming in unknown and suspicious bodies of water.