The Ministry of Health reported that in Belarus there were no cases of infection with a new version of the coronavirus

Cases of infection with a new version of the coronavirus in Belarus have not been recorded. This is reported by the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, writes sb.by.

The Ministry of Health is monitoring the situation with the new version of the coronavirus PJ. 2.1. Currently, there are no cases of infection with a new version of the coronavirus in Belarus, the center said.

For the first time, a variant of PJ.2.1, belonging to the evolutionary line “omicron”, was identified in early May in Canada. Then it was found in the United States, Spain, Australia and Singapore. Signs of a more severe course of the disease are not recorded. There is no evidence of increased incidence of pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure. There is no increased risk of hospitalization, transfer to the intensive care unit or death.

Every year in Belarus, in the period from October to April, a seasonal increase in the incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) is recorded. Now the intensity of the epidemic process of ARI is estimated as low with a further downward trend. The incidence of acute respiratory infections is 13 percent lower than last year's incidence. The age structure of patients is dominated by children (63.7%). The incidence is mainly due to viruses of non-influenza etiology, among which rhinovirus (28.6%), parainfluenza viruses (20.6%), bocavirus (19%), seasonal coronaviruses (4.8%), adenovirus (9.5%) dominate. Sporadic cases of influenza (A(H1N1)pdm09) and COVID-19 have been reported.

In Belarus, the influenza vaccination campaign continues, the main goal is to provide protection against severe forms of influenza and complications of citizens at risk (children from 6 months to 3 years old, children from 3 years old and adults with chronic diseases, people over 65 years old, patients with immunosuppression, pregnant women, medical and pharmaceutical workers, children and adults in institutions with round-the-clock stay, government employees who ensure the safety of the state and the life of the population). Vaccination is carried out free of charge (for risk groups) and paid. As of November 4, more than 782 thousand people were vaccinated.

The epidemiological situation on the incidence of ARI is under constant control of the Ministry of Health, while much depends on the attitude of a person to his own health and the people around him, the center said. Elementary preventive measures will help everyone to maintain their health.

Experts draw the attention of parents: children with signs of acute respiratory infection should not attend preschool institutions and schools.