The Number of Children Affected by Mass Poisoning in Tashkent Region Reaches 1,940

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The mass poisoning in kindergartens across the Tashkent region has now spread to two additional districts, bringing the total number of affected children to 1,940, Daryo reports.

As of 10:00 on 26 September, 413 children from Akkurgan District, 537 from Buka District, 430 from Pskent District, 64 from Quyichirchik District, 98 from Bekabad, 285 from Almalyk, and 113 from Nurafshan had sought medical attention for symptoms of food poisoning. Previously, 109 children in four districts were under observation by the Ministry of Preschool and School Education.

On 25 September, Minister of Preschool and School Education Ezoza Karimova, together with Deputy Minister Azizbek Turdiev, visited preschool institutions in Quyichirchik, Akkurgan, Pskent, and Buka districts to assess the situation. During the visit, conditions in kindergartens and cafeterias were inspected, and discussions were held with directors and educators of the institutions, accompanied by representatives of local law enforcement agencies.

Preliminary reports indicate that the incident occurred on 24 September, when children began complaining of fever, nausea, and diarrhea.

Specialists collected samples of all food products delivered to the preschools. According to one version, the cause of the poisoning may have been 3.2% fat kefir produced in Akkurgan District.

On 25 September, the investigative department of the regional internal affairs directorate opened a criminal case under Part 1 of Article 257-1 of the Criminal Code (“Violation of Sanitary Legislation or Epidemic Control Rules”).

Initial investigative actions are underway, and those responsible face up to five years in prison.

The Children’s Ombudsman continues to monitor the situation closely.