Deputy Health Minister Raisa Bogatiryova said the epidemic began among hospital staff and almost certainly spread to milk used to feed the infants.
"The remaining children are in a critical condition but they should survive. Doctors are doing everything they can and equipment and medicines are there," she said.
Ukraine and other former Soviet republics have also been hit by a series of diseases long eradicated in the West, including a cholera outbreak in September that killed 20.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.