Virus season: What diseases are affecting the residents of Astana

Tengrinews.kz - The Deputy Head of the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of Astana, Zhanna Pralieva, presented the statistics on viral infections. The department urged residents to follow preventive measures and limit contact in crowded places.
According to the Astana Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, from January 2 to 8, 4,666 cases of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) were registered in Astana. However, it is clarified that the incidence rate is at the level of the 52nd week of 2024, and 1.3 times lower compared to the same period last year.

"Since the beginning of the epidemic season (from October 1, 2024), the cumulative incidence rate has exceeded the same period of the previous epidemic season by 4 percent. A total of 107,353 cases of ARVI have been registered among the city's population, with an incidence rate of 7,107.7, compared to 6,822.9, or 99,138 cases in the previous epidemic season. The proportion of cases among at-risk groups for ARVI is 51.4 percent among children under 14 years old, 4.3 percent among children under 1 year, and 2.3 percent among pregnant women," said Pralieva.

She added that the incidence rate among schoolchildren is 17.3 percent, and among children attending preschool institutions, it is 10.3 percent.

"Monitoring of virological studies shows that in 97 percent of the isolated influenza viruses, the circulation of the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus type was found – 216 samples, 2 percent of the A(H3N2) type – 5 samples, and in one case, the B-type influenza virus was isolated. The Covid-19 virus was not detected in patients who met the standard definition of 'severe acute respiratory infection' and 'flu-like illness.' Among non-influenza viruses, rhinovirus predominates (88 cases), followed by respiratory syncytial virus (60), bocavirus (26), human coronavirus (27), adenovirus (19), parainfluenza (13), metapneumovirus (6), and in 168 cases, a combination of two or three viruses in one patient," reported Zhanna Pralieva.

The Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of Astana urges the population to:

Follow preventive measures and limit contact in crowded places, especially for vulnerable groups with chronic diseases;
Regularly ventilate indoor spaces;If flu and ARVI symptoms appear, keep children at home and avoid sending them to organized groups (preschool institutions, schools);
Seek medical assistance promptly if signs of illness appear;
Follow respiratory hygiene rules (cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing);
Wash hands regularly.