Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines – The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment is keeping a close watch on reports of an increase in respiratory illnesses in China, including cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
In a press release issued on Tuesday, January 8, the Ministry assured the public that St. Vincent and the Grenadines remains free of confirmed cases of HMPV, a respiratory virus linked to the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The Ministry cited data from China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), which highlighted a seasonal uptick in acute respiratory infections in Northern provinces of China. However, China CDC noted that the intensity of respiratory infections this year remains lower than the same period in 2023. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not received reports of any unusual increase in respiratory illnesses from Chinese authorities as of January 3, 2024.
In response, the Ministry announced steps to bolster its respiratory disease surveillance systems locally. Measures include:
Enhanced laboratory and clinical detection of respiratory illnesses.
Strengthened protocols for containment and treatment.
Ongoing surveillance of infectious diseases.
Targeted public awareness campaigns.
The Ministry also urged Vincentians to adopt preventative measures to reduce exposure to viral infections, including:
Regular hand washing with soap and water.
Avoiding close contact with sick individuals or large crowds.
Seeking medical care promptly if symptoms arise.
While no confirmed cases of HMPV have been reported in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Ministry emphasized its commitment to monitoring the situation and providing timely updates.
For more information, the public is encouraged to contact the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment.