12.10.2026 16:00
Norovirus was detected in tests conducted after complaints of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea seen in thousands of people in Tokat starting from the evening of Friday, October 9. It was stated that 99 percent of the patients were treated as outpatients and discharged, while it was learned that water and food investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the outbreak's transmission.
An important development has occurred regarding the nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea complaints that began in the city center of Tokat on the evening of Friday, October 9 and affected thousands of people. Norovirus was detected in examinations carried out at health institutions following the illnesses, which first appeared in children and then began to be seen in adults as well.
NOROVIRUS TURNED OUT TO BE BEHIND THE OUTBREAK
According to Sabah's report, after many people across the city applied to hospitals with similar complaints, norovirus was found in the tests performed. It was stated that the virus, which especially causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, can spread rapidly in environments where hygiene conditions are inadequate. It is known that norovirus, which can be transmitted via the fecal-oral route, can spread not only through contact with infected people but also through contaminated water, food and surfaces. Experts emphasize that to protect against the virus, attention should be paid especially to hand cleanliness and personal hygiene rules.
WATER- AND FOOD-BORNE INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE
Although norovirus was detected in patients, it was reported that the source of transmission of all cases seen in the city has not yet been definitively determined. It was learned that water- and food-related investigations are being carried out in a coordinated manner by the relevant units in order to reveal how the outbreak spread. It was stated that the authorities continue their efforts to identify the factors causing the spread of the disease and to prevent new cases.
99 PERCENT OF PATIENTS DISCHARGED
After the health crisis experienced in the city, it was learned that the density in emergency services has tended to decrease, but the situation in hospitals has not yet completely returned to normal. According to information obtained from officials, 99 percent of patients who applied to health institutions with complaints of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea were treated on an outpatient basis and discharged.
It was reported that the 1 percent portion of patients continue to be followed up and treated in hospitals. It was recorded that the general health conditions of the people whose treatment is ongoing are good, and serious health problems such as severe fluid loss have not been observed in the cases.
HYGIENE WARNING FROM EXPERTS
Drawing attention to the fact that norovirus can easily spread especially in crowded environments, experts state that personal hygiene is of great importance in protection from the outbreak. Regular washing of hands with soap and water, preparation of food under hygienic conditions and consumption of clean water are shown among measures aimed at reducing the risk of transmission. While investigations into the source of the outbreak in the city continue, the patient density in health institutions is expected to return to normal in the coming period.