Mass food poisoning of schoolchildren under investigation in Mangystau region

Tengrinews.kz – Twelve schoolchildren were poisoned in the Mangystau region, and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Healthcare has launched an investigation into the incident.
The official statement was published on the Ministry’s website on Thursday, April 3.
According to the press service, the incident occurred among students of the Manashin General Education School in the Beineu district.
The Ministry noted that a resolution was issued to carry out sanitary and preventive measures. In addition, a special task force has been created under the regional akimat.

“In connection with the children's poisoning, official letters have been sent to the Manashinsky district police department, the Mangystau regional police department, the education department, and both district and regional prosecutor’s offices,” the statement said.

It was also reported that the district police department sealed off the school’s cafeteria following the incident.
As part of the investigation, specialists visited the site, collected samples of food products, water, surface swabs, and disinfectants, and tested the cafeteria staff for intestinal infections. The results of the samples are currently being processed, the press release added.
The affected teenagers, all aged 14, are receiving outpatient treatment under medical supervision. Upon arriving at the emergency room, they complained of vomiting, general weakness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Their condition is currently reported as satisfactory.
Parents interviewed by authorities believe the illness was caused by poor-quality food served in the school cafeteria, the Ministry of Healthcare stated.
As a reminder, a mass poisoning of children also occurred in the Zhambyl region in mid-March.