NCDC to lead laboratory probe into kindergarten food poisoning as Tsitsishvili Clinic admits 16 children

The National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) will conduct targeted laboratory investigations into the suspected food poisoning outbreak across public kindergartens, according to Dr Maia Chkhaidze, Medical Director of the Tsitsishvili Children’s New Clinic.

Dr Chkhaidze confirmed that 16 children exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning, primarily acute vomiting, were admitted to the clinic yesterday.

Speaking to the GPB First Channel, Chkhaidze stressed that none of the patients required resuscitation or intensive care.

“Sixteen patients were admitted yesterday. According to their medical histories, vomiting set in predominantly during the evening hours. Some patients exhibit pronounced diarrhoea, while others do not. None of them present with fever.

All patients were admitted from public kindergartens. None required resuscitation or intensive care. However, to pinpoint the precise diagnosis, specifically to establish whether we are dealing with food-borne intoxication or gastroenteritis of another aetiology, targeted laboratory testing is required. The National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health will investigate these cases.

At this stage, discharging the patients remains premature as several arrived overnight and require ongoing clinical observation to track their progress. They may yet develop secondary symptoms, such as diarrhoea. All patients present with a clinical picture characteristic of gastroenteritis,” Dr Maia Chkhaidze noted.

For context, the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance has launched a criminal probe into the poisoning incidents reported across 20 kindergartens.

Meanwhile, the Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency confirmed it has temporarily suspended operations in seven facilities to contain epidemiological risks; the remaining 183 nurseries continue to operate as normal.