Kazakhstan has registered 20,683 cases of chickenpox since the start of 2026, a 32.4% decrease compared with the same period in 2025. The Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the Ministry of Health reported the figures and issued guidance to the public on the disease, according to infohub.kz.
According to health officials, children under 14 account for 83.5% of all cases.
"Chickenpox is an acute viral infectious disease transmitted mainly by airborne droplets. Its main symptoms are fever and a characteristic itchy blister rash. The disease is more common in children and is mild in most cases. However, complications can develop in some cases. Adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness," the committee said.
To reduce the risk of the infection spreading, people are advised to avoid close contact with those who have chickenpox, ventilate rooms regularly, stay home and limit contact with others when symptoms appear, and seek medical help and follow doctors' recommendations if fever and a characteristic rash develop.
Doctors also advised against self-treatment when symptoms appear. Treatment and further steps should be determined based on the patient's condition and a medical professional's recommendations.