# Norovirus outbreak in Tokat, Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261012-norovirus-outbreak-in-tokat-turkey
> Updated: 2026-10-14T10:08:00.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 3.

In Tokat, Turkey, a norovirus outbreak has caused a significant surge in medical visits. As of October 12, approximately 5,000 people have sought medical attention for gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The surge in cases reportedly began on the evening of Friday, October 9.

While norovirus has been identified as a contributing factor, authorities noted that its presence does not definitively confirm the primary source of the mass outbreak. Governor Abdullah Köklü reported that approximately 70 individuals required inpatient treatment; of these, 40 have been discharged and 30 remain under medical care. He emphasized that none of the hospitalized individuals are in life-threatening condition.

In response, the Tokat Governor’s Office ordered a one-day suspension of all public and private schools and rehabilitation centers in the city center on Monday, October 12, to facilitate disinfection and hygiene work. Authorities have also issued a precautionary warning advising citizens to boil tap water or use bottled water instead of tap water for drinking and food preparation while water samples undergo analysis at the Ankara Public Health Reference Laboratory.

By October 14, Tokat Mayor Mehmet Kemal Yazıcıoğlu stated that preliminary results from tests conducted by the Ministry of Health’s General Directorate of Public Health and Samsun Metropolitan Municipality indicate the drinking water is clean. Medical experts suggest the illness is likely a viral and contagious infection, with norovirus being a primary possibility. Yazıcıoğlu has urged citizens to prioritize personal hygiene to prevent further spread.

## Claims

- Approximately 5,000 people have sought medical attention for nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Water samples from various points in the city were sent to the Ankara Public Health Reference Laboratory for analysis. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- About 70 patients required inpatient treatment, with 40 already discharged and 30 remaining under care. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Authorities advised citizens not to consume tap water or use it for food preparation until laboratory results are released. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- None of the patients currently receiving treatment are in life-threatening condition. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- All public and private schools and rehabilitation centers in the Tokat city center were closed for one day on Monday, October 12, for disinfection. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Tests conducted on patients have identified norovirus as the infectious agent. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: Tokat health outbreak suspected to be viral rather than waterborne

An outbreak in Tokat, Turkey, affecting nearly 5,000 people is suspected to be a viral infection rather than waterborne, according to preliminary testing and local officials.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tokat-health-outbreak-suspected-to-be-viral-rather-than-waterborne

### 2026-10-12: Tokat health crisis: 5,000 seek medical help amid norovirus outbreak

Approximately 5,000 people in Tokat, Turkey, have sought medical help for gastrointestinal symptoms. Norovirus has been detected, and authorities are investigating potential water contamination.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/norovirus-outbreak-in-tokat-leads-to-thousands-of-hospitalizations

### 2026-09-28: Norovirus identified as cause of Salaspils kindergarten outbreak

Norovirus has been identified as the cause of an outbreak at the ‘Jāņtārpiņš’ kindergarten in Salaspils, Latvia, with 92 cases registered so far.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/norovirus-identified-as-cause-of-salaspils-kindergarten-outbreak

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Cite as: Norovirus outbreak in Tokat, Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261012-norovirus-outbreak-in-tokat-turkey