In Plavsk, a town in the Tula region, a wave of intestinal infections led to the hospitalization of 48 residents. The information came through a telegram channel named Puree, reporting on the local health emergency.
Among the hospitalized, 15 were children. Early descriptions attributed the spread to contamination of the municipal water system, pointing to sewage entering the water supply. Local witnesses had previously observed sewage and dirt in the flowing water, along with a noticeable foul odor that raised public health concerns.
In response, Rospotrebnadzor initiated a sanitary and epidemiological investigation. Public health teams began collecting water samples from city taps and tracing the possible source of pollution, while also assessing the water treatment facilities and distribution network for breaches or failures.
Earlier reports indicated that, prior to this incident, 31 individuals in a children’s camp in the Tula region contracted an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The camp outbreak prompted a separate probe into hygienic practices and food handling within the facility.
Rospotrebnadzor highlighted that the spread of infection in the water-related case appeared linked to non-compliance with sanitary and epidemiological requirements in the food service area. Investigators found E. coli on cutlery and tables in the food unit, underscoring lapses in food safety and clean dining practices that can facilitate transmission.
In addition to immediate health concerns, researchers noted ongoing scientific discussions about the possible links between common intestinal infections and broader neurological health, including studies exploring associations with Alzheimer’s disease. While evidence remains inconclusive, health authorities emphasize the importance of preventing infections to safeguard long-term well-being and reduce potential risk factors.