Local health officials are closely monitoring global reports of heightened respiratory illnesses, particularly in China, while taking steps to strengthen Saint Lucia’s capacity to detect and manage potential cases.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Chief Medical Officer Dr Sharon Belmar-George said that amid the ongoing flu season and increased travel activity, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs has intensified disease surveillance and bolstered local systems to prepare for any respiratory outbreaks.
There have been international media reports of a surge in respiratory viruses circulating in China, overwhelming hospital systems and crematories. These cases reportedly involve Influenza A, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), Mycoplasma pneumonia, and COVID-19. However, the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has not submitted any official reports to date.
Dr Belmar-George pointed out that, Saint Lucia, like the rest of the Caribbean, is in the typical flu season – which spans from October to March – with notable increases in respiratory illnesses among the population.
“We are also experiencing peak travel and visitor influx. We note increases in Influenza A, cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 variants,” she stated.
“The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the [global] situation and focused on strengthening national capacity and response for the potential respiratory pandemic by increasing the disease surveillance system and local capacity to detect and manage cases.”
Citizens have been urged to take personal responsibility to minimise the impact of respiratory illnesses. Recommended measures include: maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, sleep, and reducing stress and toxic habits; taking prescribed medications for chronic health conditions; practising good hand hygiene and strengthening sanitary measures at home and work; wearing face masks when presenting flu-like symptoms or in crowded spaces; and consulting healthcare professionals if symptoms persist or worsen.
Those with chronic health conditions, the elderly, and pregnant women have been strongly advised to wear face masks in public spaces and avoid contact with sick individuals.
Additionally, Dr Belmar-George has encouraged everyone to take advantage of the free flu vaccine, available at wellness centres islandwide, to further reduce risks.
HMPV, one of the viruses of concern, causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections, with an incubation period of three to six days. The duration depends on the severity of the disease. Symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, which can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia. The virus affects people of all ages but children under five years, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems are more severely impacted.
Testing for HMPV is available through the Caribbean Public Health Agency Medical Microbiology Laboratory.
The Ministry of Health has pledged to continue monitoring developments locally and globally, and provide regular updates and health education to ensure Saint Lucians take the necessary measures to reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses.
