MINSK, 5 October (BelTA) - Up to 40% of Belarus' population falls ill annually during the season of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), Veronika Vysotskaya, Head of the Epidemiology Department at the National Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, said in an interview to the STV TV channel on 5 October, BelTA has learned.
“In the 2023-2024 period, the intensity level of the epidemic process for respiratory infections has almost returned to the pre-pandemic level. Nevertheless, in our country, up to 40% of the population still falls ill during the acute respiratory infection season each year,” Veronika Vysotskaya said.
Overall, the epidemiologist assured that the current incidence rates are within the average multi-year data. “The laboratory monitoring we are conducting shows that currently, non-influenza respiratory viruses are circulating. These are, for example, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and bocaviruses. Circulation of influenza viruses is currently not being detected in the country. We expect the circulation of influenza A viruses, specifically H1N1 and H3N2 - two varieties of influenza A - as well as influenza B viruses of the Victoria lineage, which, however, is predicted to be less active than last year. But in parallel, non-influenza viruses will also be circulating, including the new coronavirus,” the department head explained.
Regarding the new Stratus type of coronavirus, it is a new variant of Omicron, one of the mutants of the original coronavirus. “It is highly contagious. But at the same time, what is somewhat reassuring (though vigilance is still required) is that the virus does not lead to any severe manifestations of the disease. However, if a person has some concomitant pathology, how will this pathogen behave upon infecting them? Of course, we must remain vigilant,” Veronika Vysotskaya emphasized.
The public has the opportunity to get preventive flu shots, for now using only one vaccine. “This is Influvac Tetra, a vaccine produced in the Netherlands. Currently, the supply of another vaccine for paid services to the population is expected - VaxigripTetra, a probably also familiar French-produced vaccine. At the beginning of next week, the Russian-produced Grippol Plus vaccine will be released from laboratory control; it has been purchased for vaccinating at-risk groups and anyone who wishes, free of charge,” the epidemiologist added.
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