VIRUS SURGE: Influenza A and COVID-19 cases explode across SVG, one death confirmed

St Vincent and the Grenadines is facing a sharp surge in respiratory illness, with laboratory-confirmed cases of Influenza A and COVID-19 multiplying rapidly through September and October, the Ministry of Health said on November 2.

Influenza A infections jumped from a single case in August to 47 in September and 86 in October. Across the full January to October period, the nation recorded 149 cases, with 133 of those occurring in the final two months. COVID-19 followed a similar trajectory, rising from 4 cases in August to 16 in September and 19 in October, representing 35 of the year's total 43 cases.

One death has been confirmed. The patient, who had a history of diabetes and high blood pressure, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit before dying from Influenza A.

Children under 10 have been hit hardest by flu. The age group accounted for 43 of the 149 Influenza A cases, including 28 infants and toddlers aged 0 to 4 and 15 children aged 5 to 9. For COVID-19, five cases among children aged 0 to 4 were recorded, while adults aged 45 to 49 represented the largest single demographic affected, with six cases.

The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent public health advisory urging residents to stay home when unwell, wear well-fitting masks when caring for or around symptomatic people, practise frequent hand hygiene, cover coughs and sneezes, and increase indoor ventilation by opening windows and doors.

Health officials stressed that older adults, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic illnesses should seek medical advice at the first sign of symptoms. Parents and caregivers of children under five must seek early consultation, as young children face higher risks of flu-related complications.

Residents are advised to seek emergency medical attention if symptoms include persistent chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, or severe dehydration. For young children, parents should watch for unusual drowsiness, difficulty breathing, or inability to drink fluids.