Uzbekistan Denies Widespread Coxsackievirus Outbreak Among Children

Information about the widespread distribution of Coxsackievirus among children in Uzbekistan appeared on social networks. The Ministry of Health commented on the situation, nova24.uz reports.

According to the information, Nurmat Otabekov, the First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Well-being and Public Health, provided clarification. The specialist noted that the virus got its name from the city of Coxsackie in the USA, where it was first discovered, and belongs to the enterovirus family, including over 70 types. Types A and B are most common.

He also emphasized that the virus primarily affects children aged 3 to 10 years and is extremely rare in adults. Symptoms in children include a sharp increase in temperature (up to 39–40 °C), headache, insomnia, and weakness. After 2–4 days, the temperature decreases. Symptoms typical of a cold, intestinal disorders, nausea, and vomiting were also noted.

Patients may develop rashes on the palms, soles of the feet, and oral mucosa, as well as sore throat associated with mouth ulcers, and loss of appetite. Sometimes enlarged lymph nodes and headaches are observed. It is noted that infection often occurs in the summer when children use public pools and are in close contact with sick individuals. The incubation period of the disease is 2–10 days, in some cases 2–5 days.

The specialist emphasized that despite cases of detection worldwide, as of today, this virus has not been detected in the laboratories of the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Well-being and the Institute of Virology of Uzbekistan. Therefore, the claim of its widespread distribution in the country is unfounded.

It was also noted that the virus does not cause serious consequences and in most cases passes without complications. However, specialists strongly advise against self-treating a child with antiviral or antibacterial drugs, as they are ineffective against Coxsackievirus. In case of symptoms, especially with severe illness, residents were advised to seek medical attention and follow doctors' recommendations. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!