CARPHA is urging enhanced surveillance in light of media reports of an increase in respiratory viruses circulating in China.

It notes that there are reports of a number of viruses including Influenza A and hMPV.

CARPHA says there have been no official reports from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and adds that the current risk is low.

However, it notes that there is potential for increased risk to the Caribbean and assures it will continue to monitor the situation.

CARPHA says, “The Caribbean region is currently experiencing peak travel and tourism season, marked by increased air and cruise ship travel, which is typically associated with a rise in respiratory illnesses among both travelers and local populations. The concurrent occurrence of multiple respiratory outbreaks, as seen in China, poses a risk of straining health systems and response efforts.”