In early September 2026 eleven pre-school institutions in Nizhny Novgorod Region were partly closed for quarantine because of a rise in acute respiratory viral infections. As of 8 September teaching was suspended in sixteen groups at these institutions.[1]

The epidemic situation

Between 31 August and 6 September 2026 the regional office of Rospotrebnadzor, the consumer protection and public health service, recorded more than seven thousand cases of acute respiratory infection in the region. Despite the rise in cases, the overall rate remained below the long-term average for the period.[2][3] Rhinovirus and parainfluenza virus dominated among the pathogens identified; bocaviruses and mycoplasma were also found.[4]

Quarantine measures

Quarantine in individual kindergarten groups was the response to the rise in cases after the start of the school year. The regional office issued advice to residents: wash hands regularly with soap or use a sanitiser, avoid touching the face, avoid contact with the sick, keep social distance, stay in bed at the first signs of illness and seek medical help in good time.[1][4]

Vaccination

Against the background of the quarantine the service urged residents to be immunised against influenza in good time, naming September to November as the best period. For the 2026–2027 season the composition of the influenza vaccine was fully renewed: all three strains were replaced compared with the previous season. Under a decree of the Chief State Sanitary Physician of Russia, in 2026 at least 60 per cent of the whole population had to be vaccinated, and at least 75 per cent among risk groups.[3] Earlier, on 4 September, the deputy head of the regional office Natalya Sadykova said that mass outbreaks of influenza and respiratory infections usually begin in the second half of September, and that in 2026 vaccine deliveries to the region had been reduced, so that children were to be supplied first.[2]

Sources

  1. NIA Nizhny Novgorod — Eleven kindergartens partly closed for quarantine in Nizhny Novgorod Region (archived)
  2. Vremya N — Eleven kindergartens of the region partly closed for quarantine because of respiratory infections
  3. Vremya N — About seven thousand residents of Nizhny Novgorod Region fell ill with respiratory infections in a week
  4. Newsroom24 — More than 7,000 residents caught a respiratory infection in a week
  5. Otkrytiy Nizhny — Respiratory infections in children: when a child should not be taken to kindergarten
  6. Zhivyom v Nizhnem — Quarantine partly introduced in eleven kindergartens of Nizhny Novgorod Region