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Tengrinews.kz – The Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan has explained which viruses are currently active in the country and what Kazakh citizens should expect in the coming months.
Seasonal rise in illness
According to the Committee of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the Ministry of Healthcare, 150,605 cases of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) were registered in Kazakhstan over the past week. This is 5.8 percent more than during the same period last epidemiological season.
Officials emphasized that this increase is natural for this time of year and remains within normal seasonal fluctuations.
“The epidemiological situation regarding ARVI and influenza in Kazakhstan is characterized by a seasonal rise in incidence, which corresponds to the typical epidemiological pattern of the autumn–winter period,” the Committee told Tengrinews.kz in an official response.
Which viruses are active now
The Committee also reported that influenza viruses and other common cold pathogens are actively circulating in Kazakhstan. Laboratory monitoring shows that since mid-October, cases of the seasonal influenza virus A(H3N2) have been confirmed — the strain currently widespread in many countries of the Northern Hemisphere.
Among other respiratory infections, the most frequently detected are rhinoviruses, bocaviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenoviruses, and parainfluenza viruses.
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus also remains in circulation, although its prevalence is low, with mostly isolated cases recorded. The XFG variant, a subvariant of Omicron that is highly transmissible but usually causes a mild form of illness, currently predominates in Kazakhstan.
“The main symptoms of infection with this variant are cough, sore throat, hoarseness, runny nose, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Despite its contagiousness, complications are rare,” specialists noted.
Epidemiologists also reported that no outbreaks of intestinal viruses in children have been recorded in the country. Over the past year, incidence among children under 14 has decreased by 4 percent.
A rise in intestinal infections typically occurs in spring and summer, when viruses spread more easily, but this year no rotavirus or enterovirus outbreaks were observed. The current situation remains stable and under control.
Hospitalization situation
Since the beginning of the current epidemiological season, the number of hospitalizations for ARVI and pneumonia has decreased compared to last year. The decline has been recorded in most regions.
“This reflects a stable epidemiological situation and the effectiveness of ongoing preventive measures,” the Ministry noted.
The number of severe cases has also gone down, indicating a generally favorable course of the season.
Forecast for November–December
According to experts, influenza viruses and other ARVI pathogens will continue to circulate in Kazakhstan in the coming months. In particular, the activity of three influenza strains is expected:
- A(H1N1);
- A(H3N2);
- B.
This trend aligns with WHO forecasts for the Northern Hemisphere. Epidemiologists remind that seasonal increases in illness are typical for the colder months, when people spend more time indoors and vitamin levels in the body decrease.
Specialists also warn that influenza can cause serious complications in high-risk groups — including the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
“It is important not to neglect preventive measures: get vaccinated on time, follow respiratory hygiene rules, and consult a doctor at the first symptoms,” the Committee emphasized.
