In response to a surge in respiratory illnesses, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs has introduced new guidelines for managing infections and is distributing free face masks.
The ministry reported in a statement on Wednesday that it had seen a notable increase in respiratory illnesses this year, mirroring global trends. Routine surveillance confirmed that 85 per cent of cases are attributed to Influenza A, with additional detections of Influenza B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Medical Surveillance Officer Dr Dana DaCosta-Gomez assured the public that health officials are taking proactive steps to curb the spread and safeguard public health. These measures include the development of updated protocols for the prevention and management of respiratory illnesses and the procurement of face masks for distribution across various sectors.
“The protocols developed for dissemination across the different sectors will serve as structured guidelines to address effectively situations involving individuals infected with respiratory viruses, ensuring the safety of all whilst minimising the risk of transmission,” she said.
Additionally, face masks are now available—free of charge—to the public, workplaces, schools, wellness centres, religious institutions, and constituency councils.
“We encourage everyone to utilise these resources as a preventive measure. Face masks have been shown to be effective in reducing the transmission of respiratory viruses, making them a crucial element in our preventive strategy,” Dr DaCosta-Gomez urged.
The medical surveillance officer stressed the importance of vaccination and preventive measures in reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, as Saint Lucia navigates the annual flu season, which runs from October to March.
She said the seasonal flu vaccine remains one of the most effective ways to prevent infection and reduce the severity of illness, particularly for at-risk groups, and reminded that the vaccine is available at wellness centres across the island.
In addition to vaccination, Dr DaCosta-Gomez is urging citizens to adopt other preventive measures to help curb the spread of respiratory viruses. These include frequent handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitiser, maintaining distance from individuals who are unwell, and practising proper cough etiquette.
Individuals interested in collecting free face masks can contact Nurse Sherica Cherry at the Saint Lucia National Eye Clinic at 716-5253.
