The Health Ministry says it is actively monitoring the situation in China.

It says it has received a report from PAHO which states that surveillance data from China CDC for the week of December 23rd to 29th 2024 showed a continued rise in acute respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, hMPV, rhinovirus and adenovirus.

It adds however that the overall scale and intensity of these infections remain lower than the same period in the previous year.

Other Caribbean countries are also keeping a close eye on the situation, as public concern grows regarding hMPV in particular.

The Ministry meanwhile is reminding persons that the flu vaccine is available, free of charge, at all health centres across the country.

It adds, “With the Carnival season upon us, vulnerable persons including the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised persons and those with chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are encouraged to get the Influenza vaccine.”