“New virus” or common ARVI: what Kazakhstanis are suffering from this autumn
Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstanis continue to report a wave of a "strange" virus that many say is particularly difficult to endure. A Tengrinews correspondent investigated which viruses are currently circulating in the country and whether a new pathogen has emerged.
What is making Kazakhstanis sick
The Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the Ministry of Health informed us that since the beginning of autumn, Kazakhstan has recorded 492,643 cases of ARVI (Acute Respiratory Viral Infection). In the past week alone, 155,133 people fell ill—a 5.5 percent decrease compared to the same period last season.
Laboratory monitoring indicates that seasonal respiratory viruses are currently circulating across the country.
These include:
rhinoviruses,bocaviruses,parainfluenza viruses,adenoviruses,
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and others.
The Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Committee noted that the current viral circulation is consistent with the typical seasonal epidemiological situation.
"The seasonal surge in ARVI cases is usually observed during the winter period," the committee specified.
We also inquired whether any new or unusual combinations of viruses—which have become a major topic of discussion among Kazakhstanis—have appeared this autumn.
The committee assured that no such anomalies have been detected:
"No previously unknown viruses or signs of a new dangerous strain have been identified."
Meanwhile, some citizens attribute the more severe course of the illness to the cold season coinciding with a period of high allergic activity.
"Seasonal allergic reactions and ARVI can occur simultaneously and share similar symptoms. However, allergies and viral infections have different origins and require different approaches to diagnosis and treatment," the department noted.
The status of COVID-19
According to the Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Committee, COVID-19 continues to circulate alongside other respiratory viruses.
"The circulating variants do not pose additional risks to the population," experts added.
Since the beginning of 2026, 139 cases of COVID-19 have been registered in Kazakhstan. This is 6.6 times lower than during the same period in 2025.
The Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Committee of the Ministry of Health continues to monitor the epidemiological situation regarding ARVI, influenza, and COVID-19.
As a reminder, Kazakhstan has launched its annual flu vaccination campaign. The first 564,000 doses have arrived in the country out of 2.1 million purchased. To find out who is eligible and where the vaccine is available, read more here.