No cases of HMPV in Jamaica

The Ministry of Health & Wellness is reporting 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.

The ministry said that 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 Officerv(CMO), Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, "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 remain at low levels at an average of four cases per week for the last three months of 2024," she said. Bisasor-McKenzie said influenza numbers 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," added the CMO.

The ministry said that 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.