Health Ministry Issues Statement on Metapneumovirus Situation

The National Center for Public Health Chair, Aizhan Yesmagambetova, answered questions related to metapneumovirus, Orda.kz reports.

Metapneumovirus has been known for over 60 years and was thoroughly studied in 2001.

Metapneumovirus can be detected using the PCR method, but this test is only conducted for sanitary and epidemiological monitoring. Currently, no vaccine for metapneumovirus is available, as flu vaccines are more widely used.

Addressing the potential for quarantine, Aizhan Yesmagambetova stated that the virus has little potential to cause a pandemic.

This is because the virus is usually mild in healthy individuals, with a very low mortality rate. Its mutation rate is much lower compared to the flu and COVID-19. We're currently in the peak of the epidemic season, and it's typical for cases to rise in January and then decrease by mid-February. As of now, there are no grounds to introduce quarantine or other restrictive measures,
she assured.

The virus poses a higher risk for children under five and pensioners (over 65), as well as for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.

Aizhan Yesmagambetova added that doctors monitor the epidemiological situation daily.

As a preventive measure, she recommended avoiding crowded places, wearing masks, washing hands thoroughly, and ventilating rooms more often.

Education Minister Gani Beisembayev has also addressed whether schools might face restrictions due to the metapneumovirus.

Original Author: Raushan Korzhumbekova