The Ministry of Health reassures the public, stating that the current situation with ARVI is not a new epidemic but rather a typical seasonal virus. This season, the most common strain is the influenza A virus known as Hong Kong flu. In Almaty, 13 cases have already been registered, predominantly among pregnant women who have not been vaccinated. In Astana, the total number of positive tests has reached 116.
“This strain was isolated in 1968 in Hong Kong, which is how it got its name. It circulates every year. Last year, the dominant strain was H3N1, while this year it is H3N2, which can be more severe in elderly people, children under 2 years old, and pregnant women in the third trimester,” explained Aigul Katrenova, head of the Infectious Disease Control Department of the Ministry of Health.
Almaty is also experiencing a rise in ARVI cases, exceeding last year's figures by 18%. Doctors have already hospitalized more than 500 people.
“As of today, the situation with ARVI and flu incidence is considered stable; however, we are observing a slight increase in cases compared to last year,” noted Asel Kalikova, deputy head of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Department of Almaty.
According to her data, the highest number of cases is among children under 14 years old.
The Ministry of Health clarified that over a million cases of ARVI and 590 cases of flu have been registered across the country. Specialists note that the peak of the disease is still ahead, expected to occur at the end of November to early December.
