Central Asia: Central Asia officials continue to report COVID-19 activity as of March /update 7

Event

COVID-19 activity is ongoing in Central Asia. As of March 19, the WHO reports the following countries have identified confirmed COVID-19 cases:

Transmission status pending:

• Tajikistan: 13,714 cases

Clusters of cases:

• Kazakhstan: 276,633 cases*

• Kyrgyzstan: 87,239 cases

• Uzbekistan: 81,095 cases

*As of March 19, disease activity has increased in these countries.

Additional cases may be added to this list at any time as disease surveillance and testing continues.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission does occur, primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

WHO coronavirus knowledge base
US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Employers
US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress
US CDC Global COVID-19 Travel Health Notice
WHO: Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19
WHO advice for international travel
New England Journal of Medicine: COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions