The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs has reported a surge in respiratory illnesses in the country and confirms the presence of the Omicron Variant HB1.
Health officials noted an increase in the number of persons presenting with flu-like illnesses during the last two months. The increase is observed both in visits to the emergency departments and Wellness Centers with particular emphasis on the rise in cases among children, under five years.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Sharon Belmar – George has expressed concern over the significant surge in this flu-like illness that appears to be gaining prevalence in the country.
“On January 17, 2024 the ministry of health received laboratory results from the Caribbean Public Health Agency [CAPHRA] confirming the presence of the Omicron Variant HB1 in samples submitted by the National Reference Lab at the Ezra Long Laboratory,” said Dr. Belmar-George.
“The centres of disease control and prevention revealed that HB1 has become the most dominant variant in the United States, with symptoms closely resembling a cold or the flu,” she said.
The CMO further explained that “these symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat and congestion.”
She said, despite HB1 being regarded as “highly transmissible” health experts agree the new sub-variant is not known to cause severe disease.
Dr. Belmar-George notes that this may likely be the cause for the increased respiratory illness that is present in the country, at this time.
As a result, the CMO urges the public to adopt several preventative measures.
The health official cautioned:
– Maintain proper hand hygiene with regular hand washing, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and wash hands thoroughly after coughing or sneezing
– Wear face masks in crowded places and when presenting with flu-like symptoms
– Avoid sharing cups and utensils
– Avoid close contact with others who are sick
– Clean surfaces and objects using household detergent
– Refrain from sending sick children to school or day-care centres, until they are resolved
– Avoid contact with people who are at higher risk of severe illness, such as, infants, the elderly or those who are immune compromised
– Educational Institutions, work places, business places and health care facilities are advised to strengthen the sanitary protocols to reduce transmission
– Consult a health care professional if flu-like symptoms linger or worsen.
Meanwhile, the general public is remined that it is currently flu season and thus, they are encouraged to obtain the free flu-vaccine that is available at Wellness Centre.
Additionally, the Covid-19 Jancin vaccine is recommended as a booster, especially for individuals with risk factors or chronic illness.
Free Coivid-19 testing is also available at Wellness Centres.