Cause of mass poisoning of children at school in Odesa region established

Doctors have released the results of an investigation into the outbreak of norovirus infection in a school in Izmail district, Odesa region: the cause is a violation in the food unit.

This was reported by the press service of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Odesa Oblast.

An outbreak of acute intestinal infection of norovirus etiology was recorded among students of the Broske general secondary education institution of the Safianivka village council in Odesa region. As of May 14, 2025, 24 people were infected, 23 of whom were children under the age of 15. Five were hospitalized in the infectious diseases department of a local hospital, while the rest are being treated on an outpatient basis.

The results of the investigation, released by the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, confirmed that the outbreak was caused by a gross violation of sanitary and anti-epidemic regimes in the school's food unit. The institution was sent an order to eliminate the violation of sanitary legislation, and the authorities were informed by an official letter.

The specialists also conducted additional work with the canteen staff, reminding them of the rules of personal hygiene and food handling to prevent similar cases in the future.

Norovirus infection is an extremely contagious acute disease that is transmitted through contaminated food, water, surfaces or contact with sick people. It is especially dangerous for organized children's groups. Symptoms appear 12-48 hours after infection and can last up to three days.

The State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection emphasized that at the first sign of intestinal infections, one should immediately seek medical attention. This will allow outbreaks to be detected promptly, the relevant services to respond and prevent mass infection.

Norovirus infection is an acute intestinal infection characterized by symptoms of gastroenteritis and dehydration. The causative agent is norovirus, one of the enteroviruses. The virus is resistant to drying, freezing, heating up to 60 degrees, and is killed only by chlorine-containing disinfectants.

Norovirus is transmitted

• by airborne droplets;
• by food
• fecal-oral;
• household contact;
• water.

Acute intestinal infection spreads rapidly in crowded places and institutions.

Symptoms include nausea and frequent vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscle and abdominal pain, general weakness, and body aches. If they appear, you should immediately contact your family doctor, the doctors said.

Ірина Глухова