Қазақша
Русский
ПОДЕЛИТЬСЯ
+7 (777) 001 44 99
Social media
Tengrinews.kz — Almaty is seeing a rise in ARVI cases, with social media users discussing unusual symptoms for several weeks and speculating about a new virus emerging in the city.
During a briefing by the Regional Communications Service, experts explained which infections are currently circulating, when the peak of the illness is expected, and why cases may be more severe.
Gaukhar Katkenova, Deputy Head of the Almaty Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Department, stated that the epidemiological situation in the city remains stable, with no exceedance of the ARVI control threshold.
However, the number of cases is rising. Between September 7 and 13, the city registered 18,877 cases of ARVI.
"The incidence rate was 779.4 per 100,000 population. This is 8.8 percent higher than the previous week, but 1.3 percent lower than the figure for the same period last year," the expert said.
Nearly 60 percent of those infected are children under 14. During the reporting week, 11,253 children fell ill with ARVI.
No cases of influenza have been registered in Almaty yet. Laboratory monitoring has identified the circulation of:
The specialist also emphasized that no new, previously unknown, or mutated viruses have been detected in the city.
"We urge people to rely on laboratory monitoring data and official comments rather than speculations spreading on social media," Gaukhar Katkenova stressed.
In addition to the cold season, Almaty residents are experiencing a sharp increase in allergy flare-ups.
Journalists asked whether this could lead to more severe cases of illness among residents.
"An individual suffering from allergies can simultaneously contract a viral infection. In such cases, the risk of complications may be higher," the experts replied.
Despite the increase in cases, speakers do not believe the epidemic season in Almaty has started earlier than usual. According to their forecasts, the peak of the illness will occur in late November to mid-December.
"This epidemic season, Kazakhstan anticipates the co-circulation of three main groups of influenza viruses: A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), and Victoria lineage Type B influenza," Katkenova specified.
Earlier, the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the Ministry of Health reported that flu vaccinations for citizens recommended for preventive shots would begin in Kazakhstan on September 15.
However, the vaccine has not yet arrived in Almaty. According to Laila Imangalieva, Deputy Head of the Almaty Public Health Department, it is expected in late September or early October.
"This year, 250,000 doses of the trivalent Grippol Plus vaccine were purchased using Almaty's local budget. The drug is designed to protect against three strains of the flu virus: two Type A and one Type B," Laila Imangalieva reported.
Free vaccinations for high-risk groups are planned to be conducted through November 30, 2026.
Due to the seasonal rise in illness, Almaty's medical facilities are operating in an enhanced mode.
For adults, 200 beds and an additional 50 reserve beds have been prepared at the S. Zhekenova City Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital.
According to Laila Imangalieva, doctors are paying special attention to expectant mothers. They are primarily provided with home care, monitored daily, and hospitalized if necessary.
Pregnant women past 22 weeks of gestation receive specialized care at City Maternity Hospital No. 4.
As a reminder, since September, specialists have been tracking ARVI, influenza, and COVID-19 cases weekly. They note that the current level is relatively low at 51,937 people—1.8 times lower than the figures from early autumn 2025.
Coronavirus infection rates are also declining: Kazakhstan has recorded 87 cases of COVID-19 since the start of 2026. According to experts, this is 10.3 times lower than the figures reported during the same period in 2025.