In the Mangistau region, three adults and a 9-year-old child were admitted to intensive care after eating home-smoked fish. The patients showed signs of severe botulism, and all four were connected to ventilators. The boy's relatives say he remains in serious condition for the fourth day and are asking for doctors from Astana to be sent to Aktau. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Hospitalization in Munaily district
Residents of the Munaily district were hospitalized after eating cold-smoked fish prepared at home. Three adults and 9-year-old Bekarys Kanatbay were in serious condition. The patients were given anti-botulinum serum and connected to artificial lung ventilation machines.
Relatives' video appeal
On September 22, the boy's relatives recorded a video appeal to the akim of the Mangistau region, Nurdaulet Kilybay, and the leadership of the regional health department. According to the family, the child has been in serious condition for the fourth day, with no noticeable improvement.
The relatives are asking for republican-level specialists to be sent to Aktau — a resuscitator, a pediatric nephrologist, an infectious disease specialist and other relevant doctors.
"We believe that the child needs full medical care and consultation with highly qualified specialists," the appeal says.
Response from the health department
According to the relatives, they had already contacted the Mangistau region health department. They were told that specialists from Astana are consulting local doctors online and giving treatment recommendations. However, the family is asking for an in-person examination.
"We do not agree to the online format. Aktau is not far away, we ask them to come here and provide urgent help on the spot," the relatives say.
Demand for a full examination
The family insists on a full examination of the child and a consultation to determine further treatment tactics without delay. If necessary, the relatives ask to consider transporting the boy by air ambulance to a higher-level medical facility.
In their appeal, Bekarys's relatives also stated that on September 22, another child — a five-year-old — was admitted with similar poisoning. They asked for urgent medical assistance for that child as well.