An outbreak of hepatitis A has been registered in many Chechen villages, in particular in Gudermes and Shali Districts. Latest data show that about 1,600 have contracted the disease. Seventy per cent of the patients are children, Chechen Health Minister Uvays Magamadov has told the press.

All the necessary measures to localize the outbreak are being taken. Fifteen schools in Shali and eight schools in Gudermes have been placed under quarantine. Children are being vaccinated against the disease. Local hospitals have all the necessary medical supplies.

The health minister said that the outbreak was caused by poor living conditions, particularly the poor quality of drinking water. In addition, local children have weak immune systems. Moreover, Magamadov said, this autumn sees the peak of the natural fourth-year cycle of the disease in Chechnya.

ITAR-TASS