On suspicion that the mine employees might be infected by intestinal virus, Kumtor Operating Company has urgently requested additional laboratory results and compliance certificates from all foods suppliers. On July 18, 2012, four people came to consult the Company’s medical service complaining about fever and general weakness, two of them complained about diarrhea. The number of patients grew to 49 on July 19 and to 140 on July 20, 2012. All of them were given first medical aid. Faced by the increased number of patients and in conformity with the Emergency Response Plan, the Company reported the incident to the Regional Sanitary-And-Epidemiologic Service asking it for assistance in identifying the cause of the employees’ health problems. A team of the Regional Service officers immediately arrived at the mine site. In the face of the mass complaints about health problems, the Sanitary Service officers recommended hospitalization of the patients to Issyk-Kul hospitals. A total of 222 people have sought medical aid between July 18 and 22, of whom 159 people were sent away from the mine site. According to the Health Ministry’s reports, about 78 employees have been hospitalized. Today, there are 4 patients with infection signs at the mine site. […]