Acute respiratory viral infections have been rapidly spreading in Kazakhstan. According to Health Minister Okmaral Alnazarova, more than 183,000 people across the country contracted ARVI last week. This figure is 16 percent higher compared to the previous epidemic season.
The minister noted that the flu season began in week 41 this year — much earlier than usual. Although no new or previously unseen flu strains have been detected in the country, rhinovirus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, coronavirus and several other viruses are actively circulating.
Since September 1, a total of 1.4 million ARVI cases have been recorded, 66 percent of which involve children under 14. Additionally, the Hong Kong flu strain — particularly dangerous for children and pregnant women — has been identified in nearly 600 patients.
Due to the rise in infections, a number of regions have begun transitioning to remote education. In East Kazakhstan, Abay and Kostanay regions, several schools have temporarily switched to online learning. For example, in East Kazakhstan, 169 classes from 23 schools — a total of 3015 students — are studying from home.
The situation in Abay region is also serious. Since the beginning of the school year, 5558 children have contracted ARVI, accounting for 17.2 percent of all cases. Twenty-five flu cases have also been recorded.
In Kostanay region, students in two cities have been moved to remote learning due to illness. In Kostanay district, in-person classes have been temporarily suspended in 72 classes.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov instructed the Ministry of Health and local authorities to ensure strict control over the quality of medical care.
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