BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Barbados health authorities say they have no credible information suggesting an outbreak of respiratory illness in China involving various viruses, including Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
HMPV is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to a cold. It emerged in China in December and caused a surge in respiratory infections, especially among children, leading to overcrowded hospitals. It then spread to other countries, including India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Responding to concerns being raised nationally, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Kenneth George, said that the Ministry of Health and Wellness has received no reports from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) or the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the claims of an unusual increase in respiratory illness in China.
He said that the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has indicated that there are currently no credible reports to support the recent claims.
Dr. George reminded the public that during the winter period, also known as flu season, respiratory illness is expected to increase among the local population and visitors.
He said this is similar to the findings in the United States, where they expect an increase in influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses.
Barbados usually sees an uptick in influenza cases at this time of year, and the CMO said that according to CARPHA, at the end of December 2024, respiratory illness activity in the Caribbean had a mixed pattern with a slight increase in influenza H1N1, declining RSV, and continued low levels of COVID-19.
The public health laboratory here has detected a mixture over the period, including influenza, RSV, rhinovirus (common cold), and HMPV. These illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, and nasal congestion. In some cases, they can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.
The Chief Medical Officer said that the detection of respiratory diseases is not a cause for panic, indicating that Human Metapneumovirus is a common virus usually associated with mild illness.
He said that the best ways people can protect themselves from becoming ill or from avoiding spreading respiratory illnesses are to practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing and sanitizing, covering sneezes or coughs, and keeping frequently touched surfaces clean.
Dr. George said it is also helpful to avoid close contact with persons who are already sick or to stay at home when ill, noting that elderly persons, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems should continue to exercise care during flu season.
He said the Ministry of Health and Wellness would continue to monitor the situation regarding the development of respiratory illnesses nationally and globally and keep the public informed.
Meanwhile, Jamaica has also indicated that the country has no reputed cases of viruses.
“Jamaica is currently experiencing the rise in respiratory illnesses normally seen at this time of the year,” the Ministry of Health and Wellness said in a statement.
“Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic strain 2009 is the predominant strain (256 cases in 2024) in circulation in Jamaica. Followed by Influenza A (H3N2) (62 cases in 2024) and a few cases of Influenza B (5 cases in 2024). No Avian Influenza A (H5N1) case was detected in Jamaica in 2024,” the statement added.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie said while there was high respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity from October (102 cases) to November (122 cases), this decreased to seven cases in December 2024.
“We are now in the influenza season when an increase in cases is expected. However, the figures align with what is expected at this time of year. Based on routine surveillance reports, at the end of 2024, weekly Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses and Influenza-Like Illnesses visits were below alert and epidemic thresholds,” she added.