Acute respiratory viral infections are widespread in Kazakhstan, schools are closing

Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) are widespread in Kazakhstan. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

According to information provided by the Minister of Health, Okmaral Alnazarova, more than 183 thousand people across the country contracted ARVI last week. This figure is 16 percent higher compared to the same season last year.

According to the minister, this year's flu season started much earlier than usual — in the 41st week. Although no new flu strains have been identified in the country, other viruses such as rhinovirus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, and coronavirus are actively spreading.

Of the 1.4 million cases recorded since September 1, 66 percent are among children under 14 years old. Additionally, the Hong Kong flu strain, considered dangerous for pregnant women, has been detected in nearly 600 patients.

Due to the rapid spread of the disease, some regions are temporarily switching schools to remote learning. In the East Kazakhstan region, 169 classes in 23 schools — a total of 3,015 students — have moved to online education.

In the Abay region, 5,558 children have contracted ARVI since the beginning of the school year, accounting for 17.2 percent of the total cases in the area. The situation is also serious in the Kostanay region, where students in two cities have been forced to continue lessons online.

In the Kostanay district, traditional education has been temporarily suspended in 72 classes. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has instructed local authorities and healthcare system representatives to strictly monitor the quality of medical services.