On March 12, 2025, reports emerged of a significant outbreak of acute gastroenteritis affecting students at the Specialized Educational and Scientific Center of Ural Federal University (SUNTS UrFU) in Yekaterinburg. According to local health authorities, 31 individuals, primarily students aged 16 to 18, sought medical attention following troubling symptoms including vomiting and abdominal pain. The situation escalated rapidly, prompting investigations and emergency responses.
The outbreak was first identified on the evening of March 11, when students began to complain of illness. Initial reports indicate the first ambulance arrived around 11:30 PM, and throughout the night, medical teams went through the dormitories examining all students present. By the early hours of the morning, medical responders noted 27 students required hospitalization due to severe symptoms.
The local Ministry of Health confirmed the hospitalization of 28 students, with the condition of these patients currently deemed as close to satisfactory. Authorities have provided all necessary medical support, with specialized treatment being administered to those affected.
Deputy Governor Pavel Krekov instructed the regional Ministry of Health to inspect all 206 students at SUNTS UrFU as part of the investigation. Krekov stated, “We are currently assessing the situation to identify possible victims,” highlighting the urgency of the state response amid rising public concern.
Investigators from the prosecutor’s office have begun examining the documentation related to the school’s food supply. Amid the growing scrutiny, the supplier, LLC “Public Catering,” has come under fire. Eyewitness reports and familial accounts suggest recent changes to food provision may have influenced the outbreak; complaints from students narrated by relatives suggest the quality of meals had deteriorated after the new supplier was introduced at the beginning of 2025. One grandmother remarked, “My grandson told me they began serving less varied meals - at one point, all they had was potatoes.”
This sudden outbreak of gastroenteritis has triggered not just medical emergencies but urgent debates over school nutrition standards and compliance with health regulations. Rospotrebnadzor, responsible for consumer rights protection and human well-being, confirmed they are conducting an epidemiological investigation to determine the root cause of the infections. They also indicated potential violations of sanitary and epidemiological norms may have been present.
Official information provided by the Ministry of Health demonstrates the endemicity of the situation with 31 recorded cases of gastroenteritis, as students reported feeling unwell shortly after having meals within the dormitory premises. Many students stated they had dined exclusively at the school cafeteria prior to becoming ill.
Due to the outbreak, SUNTS UrFU officials have temporarily transitioned all academic activities to distance learning to mitigate contact among students and reduce the risk of additional infections. Classes are set to resume on March 31, 2025, but only after medical professionals have conducted thorough evaluations of all students.
The increasing number of cases and public outcry over food safety has called for enhanced measures to review and improve student catering services in educational institutions across the region. While the immediate health needs of the affected students are being addressed, emphasis is growing on ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and implementing thorough inspections of food suppliers and services.
The stories of affected students resonate with concerns over health and safety, with many attributing the outbreak to possible foodborne pathogens. Health experts note gastroenteritis can be caused by various factors including viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, stressing the importance of proper hygiene and food safety practices.
Looking forward, officials have promised rigorous monitoring of the food supply chain, and the current investigation is expected to yield significant insights. The local community remains attentive as updates on the health of students and findings from the inquiry are announced. This incident serves as a reminder of the necessity for reliable food safety standards, especially within educational environments focused on nurturing young minds.
The investigation by health authorities and the local prosecutor's office is still underway, with findings expected to elucidate the causes of the outbreak and inform necessary actions to safeguard student health moving forward. Parents and community members await results, hoping for swift corrective actions to prevent future incidents. Meanwhile, the health and recovery of those affected remain the top priority.