The number of intestinal infections and enteroviruses is growing in Almaty - what residents need to know

Tengrinews.kz — From January to May, Almaty recorded 1,318 cases of acute intestinal infections, with children under 14 accounting for over 70 percent of those affected. Experts attribute the rise in cases to the summer heat, poor hygiene, and food quality issues. This was reported by experts during a briefing at the Regional Communications Service.

Alarming statistics

Almaty’s Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control warned that the risk of contracting acute intestinal and enterovirus infections increases significantly during the hot season.

According to Asel Kalykova, Deputy Head of the Department, high temperatures and failure to follow sanitary regulations are the primary factors driving this trend.

"The risk of acute intestinal infections peaks during the summer period. These include food poisoning, salmonellosis, dysentery, enterovirus infections, and viral hepatitis A," the speaker noted.

According to the department, 1,318 cases of acute intestinal infections were registered in Almaty during the first five months of 2026.

The city also recorded:

• 21 cases of food poisoning (13 involving children under 14);
• 12 cases of salmonellosis;
• one case of bacterial dysentery.

Furthermore, doctors identified seven cases of enteroviral serous meningitis, five of which occurred in children under 14. Experts state that this represents a 28.5 percent increase compared to last year.

Sources of infection

Epidemiological investigations revealed that patients linked their infections to poor hygiene, consuming poorly washed produce, and visiting swimming pools.

"The primary transmission route for intestinal infections is fecal-oral. Pathogens enter the body through contaminated food, water, improper food preparation and storage, unwashed hands, poor water quality, and household items," said Asel Kalykova.

Doctors listed the primary symptoms as follows:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• fever,
• loss of appetite,
• general malaise.

The department emphasized that swimming should only take place in officially designated areas. It is crucial to avoid swallowing water while swimming.

Specialists also recommend limiting visits to swimming pools, water parks, and open bodies of water during seasonal peaks of the illness.