A mass illness has been recorded among students of the Republican Physics and Mathematics School (RFMSH) in Almaty. On October 12 and 13, 2026, 47 schoolchildren were hospitalized at the city children's clinical infectious diseases hospital. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Condition of those hospitalized
All admitted patients show pronounced signs of acute intestinal infection. The city's Public Health Department said the hospitalized children are under constant medical supervision. Another eight children were promptly isolated in the school's boarding facility, where strict medical monitoring was also established.
School and canteen operations suspended
The Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control issued a ruling to temporarily suspend the operations of the boarding school itself and its canteen. Specialists from relevant agencies are conducting a large-scale inspection.
Expert examination and laboratory tests
Experts have already collected the necessary samples for detailed laboratory testing to determine the exact source of infection. Authorized state bodies are keeping the situation under strict control.
About the school
The Republican Physics and Mathematics School was founded in Almaty in 1972. The institution is considered one of the most prestigious schools in Kazakhstan and traditionally specializes in in-depth study of exact sciences. The school has its own boarding facility, which admits gifted children from all regions of the republic on a competitive basis.