In connection with the latest media reports on the worldwide spread of metapneumovirus ((HMPV), which refers to acute respiratory viral infections, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports the following.

Human metapneumovirus is one of the classic viruses that have been circulating in many countries for decades. Strains of this virus have been identified in Kazakhstan, along with other types of infections that are actively circulating in space during the seasonal increase in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza.

According to the Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Committee, 8,360 samples have been examined for non-influenza viruses in the republic since the beginning of the epidemic season.

Of these, 1,866 (22%) positive samples were detected, including the most widespread rhinovirus – 680 samples or 36.4%, followed by MS virus – 433 (23.2%), adenovirus – 226 (12.1%), coronavirus – 206 (11.1%), parainfluenza – 178 (9.5%), bokavirus – 113 (6.1%), and last of all metapneumovirus – 30 (1.6%),

Metapneumovirus is transmitted mainly by airborne droplets and, to a lesser extent, by household contact. The main symptoms of infection are cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, fever, and headache. There is no specific treatment, but symptomatic treatment is used.

Currently, in Kazakhstan, as well as all over the world, there is a seasonal increase in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza.

Since the beginning of the current epidemic season, since October 1 of this year, 2,002,335 cases of acute respiratory viral infections and 941 cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza have been registered in the republic, of which 910 cases of influenza type A(H1N1), 1 case - A(H3N2) and 30 cases of influenza B.

The Ministry of Health urges the population to follow preventive measures and limit contact in crowded areas, especially for the most vulnerable patients with chronic diseases.

Measures for the prevention of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections:
limit visits to crowded places, especially enclosed spaces;
regularly ventilate the premises;
use antiseptics or disinfectant wipes to treat your hands.;
limit contact with sick people and ensure their isolation;
if symptoms of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections appear, leave children at home and do not send them to organized groups (preschool organizations, schools).
if signs of illness appear, seek medical help in a timely manner.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/dsm/press/news/details/913071