In the city of Arkalyk, Kostanay region, an epidemiological investigation has been completed into a mass outbreak of acute intestinal infections that occurred at an event at the end of October. At the time, 83 people were hospitalised in medical facilities.
According to MIAA ‘Kazinform’, the regional department of sanitary and epidemiological control reported that 82 people have already been discharged after recovering.
"One patient remains under medical observation. A laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of salmonellosis has been made in the affected individuals — the bacterium Salmonella enteritidis was isolated," the department stated.
For reference: salmonellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Salmonella. Infection occurs through food products (most often raw eggs, poultry meat, dairy products) or contact with contaminated surfaces. The bacteria survive well and live for a long time in the environment. They are not affected by cold, so freezing food does not prevent infection.
Additionally, specialists inspected the cafe and discovered serious violations of sanitary standards. The Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the region issued an order to suspend the establishment's operations and temporarily remove employees from duty until a full set of checks has been completed.
Tests on food products and drinking water did not detect the infectious agent, however, out of 40 swabs taken from environmental surfaces, E. coli was found in seven. Furthermore, Salmonella enteritidis, matching the pathogen found in patients, was detected in two cafe employees.
According to epidemiologists, asymptomatic carriers among the staff could have been the source of the infection.
The establishment remains closed until all identified violations are rectified. The materials have been forwarded to law enforcement authorities.
A decision on further measures against the cafe's owners will be made based on the investigation's results: if signs of a criminal offence are present, the materials will be submitted for consideration under criminal law. If no criminal offence is confirmed, the business may face administrative liability.
Sanitary services continue to monitor the situation. Inspections of other catering establishments in Arkalyk have not been initiated.
Earlier, it was reported that 85 people in Arkalyk suffered food poisoning following a celebration held at a local cafe. The victims were hospitalised in the region's medical facilities. According to one of the attendees, the event was held to mark the 60th birthday of a relative.