BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Barbados health authorities say they have no credible information suggesting an outbreak of respiratory illness in China involving various viruses, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

HMPV is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to a cold. The virus, which emerged in China in December, caused a surge in respiratory infections, especially among children, leading to overcrowded hospitals. It spread to other countries including India, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Kenneth George, responding to concerns being raised nationally, said that the Ministry of Health and Wellness has received no reports from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) or the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the claims of an unusual increase in respiratory illness in China.

He said in addition, the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has indicated that there are currently no credible reports to support the recent claims.

Dr George reminded the public that during the winter period, also known as the flu season, it is expected that there will be an increase in respiratory illness among the local population as well as visitors.

He said this is similar to the finding in the United States where they expect an increase in influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses.

Barbados usually sees an uptick in influenza cases at this time of year and the CMO said that according to CARPHA, at the end of December 2024, respiratory illness activity in the Caribbean had a mixed pattern with a slight increase in influenza H1N1, declining RSV and continued low levels of COVID-19.

The country’s public health laboratory has detected a mixture over the period including influenza, RSV, rhinovirus (common cold) and HMPV. These illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms including cough, fever and nasal congestion. In some cases, they can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.

The chief medical officer said that the detection of respiratory diseases is not a cause for panic, indicating that human metapneumovirus is a common virus, which is usually associated with mild illness.

He said that the best ways people can protect themselves from becoming ill or to avoid spreading any respiratory illnesses are by practising good hygiene, including frequent hand washing and sanitising, covering sneezes or coughs, and keeping frequently touched surfaces clean.

Dr George said it is also helpful to avoid close contact with persons who are already sick, or to stay at home when sick, noting that elderly persons, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems should continue to exercise care during flu season.

He said the Ministry of Health and Wellness would continue to monitor the situation regarding the development of respiratory illnesses nationally and globally and keep the public informed.

Meanwhile, Jamaica has also indicated that the country has no reputed cases of the virus.

“Jamaica is currently experiencing the rise in respiratory illnesses normally seen at this time of the year,” the Ministry of Health and Wellness said in a statement.

“Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic strain 2009 is the predominant strain (256 cases in 2024) in circulation in Jamaica. Followed by Influenza A (H3N2) (62 cases in 2024) and a few cases of Influenza B (5 cases in 2024). No case of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) was detected in Jamaica in 2024,” the statement added.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, said while there was high respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity from October (102 cases) to November (122 cases), this decreased in December 2024 to seven cases.

“We are now in the influenza season when an increase in influenza cases is expected. However, the figures are in keeping with what is expected at this time of year. Based on routine surveillance reports, at the end of 2024, weekly severe acute respiratory illnesses and influenza-like illnesses visits were below alert and epidemic thresholds,” she added.