Uzbekistan's sanitary-epidemiological committee has advised avoiding crowded places due to an outbreak of metapneumovirus.

Uzbekistan, Tashkent - According to AN Podrobno.uz, Uzbekistan is experiencing a seasonal increase in acute respiratory illnesses. This information was provided by the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Well-Being and Public Health. Experts highlighted that cases of this virus are reported annually in countries around the globe.

https://podrobno.uz/cat/obchestvo/sanepidkomitet-uzbekistana-porekomendoval-izbegat-lyudnykh-mest-po-prichine-vspyshki-metapnevmovirus/2025-01-06 08:13:20

According to laboratory research data, the predominant viruses identified in Uzbekistan are:

influenza virus – 36.9%,
rhinovirus – 30.2%,
respiratory syncytial virus – 28.6%,
metapneumovirus – 1.2%,
other viruses – 3.1%.

Metapneumovirus (HMPV), first identified in 2001, is transmitted through airborne droplets and contact. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, fever, headache, and shortness of breath. There is no specific treatment; symptomatic therapy is employed.

Health officials recommend avoiding crowded places, especially for families with young children, practicing hygiene, and isolating sick family members. Most cases are mild, but individuals with chronic illnesses remain at higher risk.

The Situation in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Health has also detected metapneumovirus among non-influenza infections. Since the beginning of the epidemic season, the virus has been found in 1.6% of the 8,360 samples tested. In comparison, rhinovirus accounted for 36.4% of all cases, respiratory syncytial virus for 23.2%, and adenovirus for 12.1%.

An outbreak of metapneumovirus was previously reported in China, where the increase in cases led to hospital overcrowding. In Kazakhstan, the situation is under control; however, the Ministry of Health has recommended limiting visits to crowded places and adhering to preventive measures.