In the Pribaikalsky district of Buryatia, a municipal health and safety inquiry is underway after 21 children fell ill at a summer camp operated near the Baykal region. Local investigators from SU IC RF for the area have stated that the episode is being treated as a mass poisoning incident. The aim of the inquiry is to determine the exact cause and source of the illness so that measures can be put in place to protect other young visitors.
Medical teams reported a pattern of gastrointestinal distress among the children. Symptoms included nausea and diarrhea in all affected youngsters, with fever present in about six cases. Medical staff assessed the severity of each child and arranged hospital admission when it was deemed necessary. Several were treated on site, while others required closer observation at the regional hospital. The clinical picture across age groups suggested a common etiological factor, though ongoing tests are needed to confirm the agent responsible and to guide treatment protocols for future cases.
In response to the outbreak, the Baykalsky Bor camp has temporarily halted operations as a precautionary step to protect participants and prevent further spread. Transport arrangements were organized to move campers by bus to the city of Ulan-Ude, where additional medical oversight and evaluation can be provided if required. Officials have emphasized that the move was taken in the interest of safety and to ensure that all campers receive proper medical follow-up in a controlled setting.
A multi-agency investigation is actively progressing. The regional Investigative Committee is conducting a preliminary inquiry to establish timelines and identify potential factors that could have contributed to the outbreak. A dedicated commission from the Ministry of Health, together with the Russian Consumer Supervision Agency (Rospotrebnadzor), is operating on site to inspect the camp’s facilities, sanitation practices, and food handling procedures. At present, the camp’s food service operations have been suspended as investigators review records, interview staff, and collect environmental samples. The goal is to determine whether contamination or improper food preparation played a role in the event and to issue corrective actions if needed. Results from laboratory analyses are anticipated in the coming days to provide a clearer understanding of the cause.
Meanwhile, authorities have stated that routine checks and safety controls at the camp are ongoing. Beyond the immediate incident, the case has prompted a broader review of health and safety protocols across similar facilities in the region. Officials are stressing the importance of robust hygiene standards, careful monitoring of meals provided to minors, and transparent communication with families and local communities as the investigation continues. The authorities reiterate that protecting the health of children in seasonal camps remains a top priority and that decisive steps will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.
In a related note, past health concerns were reported in another youth camp scenario. Earlier reports indicated that five young individuals experienced poisoning linked to mushrooms in a camp located in the Leningrad region. This incident is being reviewed in conjunction with current cases to inform guidelines on food safety, recreational activities, and emergency response procedures in camps across the country. While the two situations are distinct, officials are using lessons learned from both to strengthen oversight and protect the well-being of minors entrusted to camp programs.