Investigation into gastrointestinal outbreak in small Armenian town reveals wa

The cause of a mass gastrointestinal illness reported last week in a small Armenian town has been linked to contaminated drinking water and the detection of multiple pathogens, including rotavirus, adenovirus, and pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains, according to healthcare authorities.

Last week, at least 300 people, all with similar gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, sought medical treatment in Byureghavan, a town of roughly 10,000 residents some 16 km northeast of Yerevan. Authorities launched an investigation but indicated that the cause was likely a tap water issue.

The suspicion was confirmed on April 28.

Armenia’s National Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported on April 28 that testing of drinking water in Byureghavan has revealed deviations, including the presence of coliform bacteria.

Biological sample analyses have also detected rotavirus, adenovirus, as well as pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli), including enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) and enteropathogenic (EPEC) types.

Authorities said appropriate measures have been taken and that relevant bodies have been notified.

“The situation is currently under control; no active spread of the outbreak has been recorded, and epidemiological data indicate that the process is subsiding. The condition of patients who sought medical care, both outpatient and inpatient, is satisfactory, and no new cases have been registered,” the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement.