Head of Kemerovo Mental Health Facility Suspended After Nine Patient Deaths in Viral Outbreak

Investigation Launched After Tragic Outbreak

The head of a mental health facility in Prokopyevsk, a city within Russia's Kemerovo Region, has been placed on temporary leave following a devastating viral infection outbreak that led to the deaths of nine patients. The incident has triggered a comprehensive investigation by Russian authorities and prompted widespread inspections across the region's mental health institutions.

Preliminary assessments suggest that influenza A was the likely cause of the fatalities. Regional health officials reported that seven of the deceased succumbed to circulatory system complications, while the causes of death for the remaining two patients are still under investigation.

Widespread Hospitalizations and Official Response

Beyond the nine deaths, the outbreak severely impacted many other residents of the facility. A total of 62 patients were hospitalized due to the viral infection. As of Friday, four patients remained in critical condition, while 11 others had been discharged. This leaves 51 patients still receiving treatment in hospitals in Prokopyevsk and the neighboring city of Novokuznetsk.

Kemerovo region Governor Ilya Seredyuk confirmed the suspension of the mental health hospital's head, stating that the individual is a person of interest in the ongoing police investigation and has been accused of attempting to obstruct law enforcement.

Regional Inspections and Negligence Probe

In response to the crisis, Yelena Voronina, Kemerovo's deputy chief of social development, announced that all 13 mental health hospitals in the region, which collectively house nearly 4,000 beds, would be subjected to snap inspections.

Russia's top investigative body, the Investigative Committee, has launched a preliminary probe into potential negligence and health violations at the Prokopyevsk facility. Investigators have alleged that staff at the hospital 'created conditions that led to the outbreak of the virus.'

Further details revealed that prior to the widespread outbreak, two individuals at the facility had been diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia, and an additional 46 patients tested positive for acute respiratory viral infections, including influenza. All nine deaths have occurred since the beginning of January.