Kazakhstan Reports Spike in Flu Cases Driven by H3N2

Kazakhstan is facing a surge in seasonal flu cases, with 1,790 lab-confirmed infections reported so far - and almost all of them caused by the influenza A (H3N2) Hong Kong strain.

According to the Health Ministry’s Sanitary Epidemiological Control Committee, A (H3N2) cases have been detected across nearly every region, with the exception of Ulytau, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Children under 14 account for 58 per cent of all confirmed cases (1,039), while pregnant women make up 8.6 per cent (155).

Health officials are urging the public to limit social gatherings, wear masks when needed, spend more time outdoors, boost vitamin intake, and maintain a healthy diet to reduce infection risks.

Kazakhstan’s flu vaccination campaign is also in full swing: 2,208,989 people have been vaccinated nationwide. This season’s WHO-recommended vaccine includes A (H1N1pdm09), A (H3N2), and B/Victoria strains.