Respiratory Illness Surge Closes Schools in Tomsk, Novosibirsk Braces for Peak Season
The Tomsk region in Russia has been grappling with a surge in respiratory illnesses, leading to temporary closures of educational facilities and heightened vigilance from medical authorities. The Novosibirsk region, too, has seen a significant increase in cases, with over 25,000 reported in a week.
From September 22 to 28, the Tomsk region reported a staggering 9,718 cases of respiratory illnesses. In response, a small school in the Molchanovsky district and a kindergarten in the Kargasoksky district were temporarily closed. Medical organizations in the region are closely monitoring the situation, bolstering preventive measures, and standing ready to deploy additional resources if needed.
The Novosibirsk region, meanwhile, reported 25,483 cases during the same period, with 13,108 among minors and one case of the flu. Despite the increase, there are sufficient vaccine supplies to cater to at-risk groups and those who wish to be vaccinated. The peak of respiratory illnesses in the region typically occurs during the fall and winter months, a trend that Russia's consumer protection agency expects to continue this year. The agency attributes the spread of viruses to cold weather, weakened immunity, and increased contact among people in enclosed spaces.
The rise in respiratory illnesses in the Tomsk and Novosibirsk regions has led to temporary closures and increased medical vigilance. Vaccine supplies are adequate to meet the needs of vulnerable groups. As the peak respiratory illness season approaches, medical authorities are prepared to respond to any further developments.
