No case of HMPV or Avian Influenza A (H5N1) detected in Jamaica, says Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health and Wellness says no case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been detected in Jamaica.

The Ministry notes 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.

The health ministry states that a seasonal increase in respiratory pathogens is expected in countries of the northern hemisphere, particularly during the winter period.

It notes that Jamaica is currently experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, which is 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.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, indicates that 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 notes, “remain at low levels at an average of four cases per week for the last three months of 2024.”

Bisasor-McKenzie points out that Jamaica is 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, according to her.

“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,” she said.

It was indicated that 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 health ministry says it will continue to monitor the situation in hospitals and is asking persons visiting health facilities to wear masks to prevent the spread of respiratory 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.

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