Albanian police have opened a criminal investigation into the director of a public kindergarten in Korçë and a pediatrician following the hospitalization of six children who developed similar gastrointestinal symptoms.

Police said the two women are being investigated for abuse of office in connection with the incident.

The pediatrician, identified by police as E.X., 57, who works in the Pediatrics Department of Korçë Regional Hospital, is accused of failing to notify authorities after six children from the same kindergarten were brought to the hospital with similar symptoms.

The kindergarten director, M.K., 60, is suspected of failing to fulfill her official duties regarding the inspection and verification of the food consumed by the children, according to police.

The children were reportedly taken to hospital over the course of Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday after developing similar gastrointestinal symptoms.

Police said the two women are being prosecuted while remaining at liberty. The case will be referred to the Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of General Jurisdiction in Korçë for further procedural action.

Authorities have not yet determined what caused the children’s symptoms, and an investigation is ongoing.