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January 24, 2003

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"Criminal Probe After 250 Russian Soldiers' Mass Pneumonia Outbreak" Agence France Presse (www.afp.com/english/home) (01/22/03)

One Russian soldier has died and 12 others are in critical condition following an outbreak of pneumonia and viral infection among 250 soldiers in Rostov-on-Don.  In all, 89 soldiers were hospitalized with pneumonia and another 184 are suffering from acute viral infection.  The North Caucasus military region prosecutor general could file negligence charges against the chief army doctors, because one soldier, who later died, was sent back to his unit despite being diagnosed with pneumonia.  Army investigators believe the outbreak is related to poor living conditions and inadequate medical attention.

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