Officially: Hong Kong flu has been detected in Uzbekistan

Officially, Type A (H3N2) influenza, commonly known as the Hong Kong flu, has been detected in Uzbekistan. This announcement was made during a press conference held on December 13 at AOKA, with the participation of officials from the Sanitary-Epidemiological Peace and Public Health Committee.

Following the dissemination of alarming news about the arrival of the Hong Kong flu in Uzbekistan via social media and mass media channels, First Deputy Chairman Nurmat Otabekov addressed the public once more to provide clarification and prevent panic among the population.

Otabekov explained that the Hong Kong flu originated in 1960 as a mutated virus from the H2N2 virus, initially causing issues in several Eastern countries. However, it is now a common seasonal flu virus, and existing vaccines in Uzbekistan, totaling 2,200,000 doses, effectively combat this strain.

Furthermore, private vaccination centers in Uzbekistan offer three other types of vaccines specifically designed to combat this strain of influenza, expected to circulate during this season.

"Therefore, there is no need for serious concern or panic about the return of the Hong Kong virus. We reaffirm that this is a typical seasonal virus," stated Otabekov.