Infection Cases in Kazakhstan Surpass 111,000 Amid Flu Surge

Kazakhstan's Karaganda region has recorded over 111,000 acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) cases since the start of the epidemic season.

Laboratories confirmed seasonal flu strains, with A (H3N2) being the most common. Children under 14 account for 59 per cent of cases, and 76 per cent of them were unvaccinated, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The World Health Organization notes that flu strains A (H1N1), A (H3N2), and B remain relevant this season and are included in the current vaccine. So far, 176,014 locals have been vaccinated.

The outbreak is impacting schools: as of December 8, 23 schools and 63 classes saw infection rates exceed thresholds by more than 30 per cent, prompting 899 students to switch to online learning.

Health experts advise avoiding crowded places, limiting contact with symptomatic individuals, washing hands, using disinfectants, eating vitamin C-rich foods, and seeking medical help promptly while avoiding self-treatment.