According to Kazakhstan's Minister of Healthcare, Akmaral Alnazarova, the incidence rate last week increased by 16 percent compared to the same period last season. Since September 1, nearly 1.4 million cases of ARVI have been registered in the country, with children under 14 years of age accounting for 66 percent of them.
Rhinovirus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, bocavirus, coronavirus, RS virus, and metapneumovirus have been widespread across the country. Furthermore, the "Hong Kong flu" strain, considered dangerous for children and pregnant women, has also been identified—with nearly 600 cases registered since the start of the season.
In East Kazakhstan, Abai, and Kostanay regions, a number of schools have temporarily switched to distance learning. In East Kazakhstan, more than 3,000 students from 169 classes across 23 schools are studying from home. In Abai region, some classes have also switched to online learning due to an increase in the number of children sick with ARVI. In Kostanay region, classes have been canceled in 72 classes.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has given instructions to the Ministry of Healthcare and local authorities to strengthen the quality of medical care.
