Residents of Astana have taken to social media in large numbers to complain of feeling unwell with unusual symptoms: in addition to a cough, city dwellers report dry mouth and itchy eyes, according to infohub.kz.
A Threads user under the handle aaliya_23 wrote that a "virus" is "going around" the city. "Weakness, a rare dry cough, endless sneezing and itchy eyes. Anyone else like this? Surely it can't be allergies in autumn?" the Kazakh woman wrote.
In the comments, residents of the capital confirm they are experiencing similar symptoms. At the same time, they say they do not believe it is an allergy and suspect the emergence of a new virus.
The Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the Ministry of Health told a NUR.KZ correspondent that since the beginning of September, Kazakhstan has been conducting epidemiological monitoring of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and COVID-19 as part of preparations for the autumn-winter season.
"During this period there is also a sharp change in weather conditions, which can contribute to the spread of respiratory viral infections. No new, previously unknown viruses have been identified at present. At the same time, it is impossible to determine a specific virus from symptoms alone. Therefore, when signs of illness appear, it is necessary to consult a medical organization for an examination and recommendations from a specialist, rather than self-medicating," the agency said.
As a preventive measure, citizens are advised to regularly ventilate rooms, maintain hand hygiene, avoid close contact with people showing signs of illness, wear a mask in crowded places if necessary, and stay home when symptoms of an acute respiratory viral infection appear.
"In case of a high fever, pronounced weakness, difficulty breathing or a worsening of your general condition, you must promptly seek medical help," the Committee reminded.