Russian authorities investigate mass deaths of newborns at Siberian maternity hospital

Authorities in Russia’s Kemerovo region have launched an investigation into the deaths of nine newborns at Maternity Hospital No. 1 in the city of Novokuznetsk, which reportedly occurred during the New Year holiday period.

A law enforcement source told RT that all nine infants died over a short period of time during the holidays. The exact causes of death have not yet been determined and will be established as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials have not confirmed media reports suggesting that a viral infection may have been involved, Caliber.Az informs. 

The maternity hospital was closed for quarantine on January 9, according to the regional Ministry of Health. The Kemerovo Region Prosecutor’s Office said it is overseeing the investigation being carried out by the Investigative Committee.

In a statement, prosecutors said they had identified a media publication reporting that several infants died within a brief timeframe at the Novokuznetsk facility. The investigation is being conducted in cooperation with specialists from Rospotrebnadzor, Russia’s consumer protection and public health watchdog, and Roszdravnadzor, the federal healthcare oversight agency.

Journalists from several outlets reported difficulties obtaining official comment. Attempts to contact the regional Ministry of Health, Novokuznetsk City Hospital, and the maternity hospital itself were unsuccessful, with press offices and hospital administrators not responding to calls.

Authorities have said further information will be released as the investigation progresses.

By Sabina Mammadli