KINGSTON, Jamaica. Tuesday, January 7, 2025: The Ministry of Health & Wellness wishes
to advise that no case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been detected in Jamaica
and that the Caribbean Public Health Agency has indicated that the risk to the Caribbean
is low but may increase.
HMPV is a respiratory virus in the family with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HMPV
usually causes upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages. Vulnerable
groups, including children under five years old, the elderly, and those with weakened
immune systems, are more at risk. Similar to other respiratory viruses, symptoms include
cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, which may progress to bronchitis
or pneumonia.
A seasonal increase in respiratory pathogens is expected in countries of the northern
hemisphere, particularly during the winter period.
INCREASE IN RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES
Jamaica is currently experiencing the rise in respiratory illnesses normally seen at this
time of the year. 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.
According to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, CD, “there was high
RSV activity in October (102 cases) to November (122 cases) 2024, however, this decreased
in December 2024 (7 cases)”.
“COVID-19 cases,” she noted, “remain at low levels at an average of four cases per week
for the last three months of 2024”.
“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
(SARI) and influenza-like Illnesses (ILI) visits were below alert and epidemic thresholds,”
added the CMO.
Similar to the pattern noted in 2023, in December of 2024, the number of cases of
admitted lower respiratory tract infections increased and in week 51 of 2024 was above
the epidemic threshold. The Ministry continues to monitor the situation in the hospitals
and ask persons visiting health facilities to wear masks to prevent the spread of
respiratory infections.
As a reminder, all persons are at risk for respiratory illnesses and for transmitting
infections. Every effort must be made to safeguard vulnerable individuals, including the
very young, the very old and persons with chronic illnesses that make them
immunocompromised. These persons are at risk for severe illnesses. Persons should wear
masks in crowded areas and if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms, they should wash
hands properly and avoid touching the face.
The National Surveillance Unit in the Ministry will continue to monitor the evolving
epidemiological situation in Jamaica and analyse sentinel and laboratory surveillance data
related to fever and respiratory symptoms. Influenza data are published in the Ministry’s
Weekly Epidemiology Bulletin posted on the Ministry’s website.
Jamaicans are encouraged to practice proper infection prevention control measures
including taking the flu vaccine to guard against illness and severe outcomes.
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