KINGSTON, Jamaica, Dec 13, Health authorities have issued a flu caution for Jamaicans following a recent report from the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) concerning an increase in cases in 2024 for the region of the Americas.
Earlier this week, PAHO expressed concern at the increase in cases of dengue, Oropouche, and avian influenza this year, but emphasized effective strategies to control the outbreaks and mitigate their impact.
PAHO said that this year, the region has faced the largest dengue epidemic since records began in 1980. It said countries have reported more than 12.6 million cases, nearly three times more than in 2023, including 21,000 severe cases and over 7700 deaths.
The Ministry of Health & Wellness are urging members of the population to take precautions against Influenza, also referred to as ‘the flu’ – an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person, mainly by coughing, sneezing and through close contact.
Here in Jamaica, an increase in flu cases is expected, however the figures are currently not above what is expected at this time of year, the ministry said.
The flu vaccine is available and persons – especially those in high-risk groups, such as pregnant women and the elderly – are encouraged to take it.
“Routine surveillance activities, including testing, continues, in order to rapidly detect any new viruses that may be introduced in the population,” said Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton.
The ministry said that tests are done on respiratory samples weekly and the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic strain 2009 is the predominant strain of the flu that is in circulation in Jamaica, followed by Influenza A (H3N2) and a few cases of Influenza B.
It said that no case of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) has been detected in Jamaica this year.
Meanwhile, the flu vaccine is available and persons – especially those in high-risk groups, such as pregnant women and the elderly – are encouraged to take it.
“Members of the public are advised to wear masks, wash hands frequently and practice good respiratory etiquette. They are also advised to avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth, and avoid close contact with individuals who are ill or who are having flu-like symptoms,” noted Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie.
The ministry said that since November 2023, there has been a steady decline in the total number of suspected, probable and confirmed dengue cases reported in Jamaica. It said as of September 2024, the monthly number of dengue cases has been below the epidemic threshold so the figures are not in the outbreak range.
“However, Jamaica remains on alert for dengue as the virus is endemic here. Surveillance and testing for dengue continues and prevention measures are advised,” said Tufton.
The ministry said that it is urging members of the public to play their part in ensuring the continued decline in dengue cases by monitoring water storage containers for mosquito breeding and destroying or treating potential mosquito breeding sites.
CMC/fg/ir/2024