Eight students at Secondary School No. 14 in Baku were taken ill on Wednesday, prompting an emergency response, Oxu.Az reported, citing the educational institution.
According to the school, the students suddenly felt unwell for unknown reasons, displaying general symptoms of malaise and nausea. School administrators immediately called an ambulance, and the affected children were transported to medical facilities for evaluation. Parents and relevant state authorities were also notified.
A preliminary review indicated that one student had purchased chewing gum at a shop near the school on the way to class and shared it with classmates. Officials believe consumption of the gum may have contributed to the students’ condition. A formal investigation has been launched by competent authorities.
The school said all affected students underwent medical examinations and received appropriate treatment. Their condition is described as satisfactory.
Update — December 11, 14:07
At 09:00, the Republican Center for Emergency and Urgent Medical Care received a call from Secondary School No. 14 in Baku’s Nasimi district. An ambulance team was dispatched immediately.
Five boys were hospitalized at the A.F. Garayev Children’s Clinical Hospital under the Republican Pediatric Center, while three boys were admitted to the Narimanov Infectious Diseases Hospital. Medical staff reported that one patient was diagnosed with an unspecified upper respiratory tract infection, while the remaining seven were diagnosed with acute gastritis. After receiving treatment, all patients were discharged home.
Further details suggest the chewing gum was purchased for 90 gapiks at a store outside the school and was not from the school cafeteria. After chewing the gum in class, the students reportedly began experiencing nausea.
Commenting on the incident, food safety expert Mubariz Valiyev told Baku TV that chewing gum contains various substances. Sugar-free gum often includes xylitol, which is not considered dangerous for humans, he said. Colorings and flavorings may pose risks primarily to individuals with allergies.
“The symptoms observed in the students are more characteristic of an allergic reaction than poisoning-such as lip swelling, skin rash, and throat irritation,” Valiyev noted, adding that the case appears to involve allergy rather than food poisoning.
