The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH Minister Dr Michael Darville sought to reassure the public yesterday that there is no cause for panic over an increase in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China, noting that samples from people presenting flu-like symptoms have been sent to a lab in Panama for analysis.

Reports of HMPV cases in China have raised alarm, as the virus shares symptoms similar to COVID-19, including a cough, fever, and nasal congestion, and tends to spike in winter and spring. However, health officials have said the HMPV does not present the same level of risk as COVID-19.

“Our surveillance unit, in collaboration with our reference lab, has been sending samples to a centre I believe in Panama to understand exactly what we are seeing from individuals with flu-like symptoms,” Dr Darville said. “To my knowledge, those samples have been sent off, and we don’t have any reported cases at this time.”

Dr Darville noted that HMPV is not a new virus and has been around since 2001. He noted that its symptoms are generally mild.

“We are not in panic mode at this time, but our surveillance unit, along with our reference lab, is monitoring the situation. If there is any significant concern, we will notify the Bahamian people immediately,” he stated.

The public is urged to maintain good hygiene practices, including proper hand washing, hand sanitisation, and the use of face masks during the cold and flu season, to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. 

Seasonal flu vaccines are available at public health clinics on New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands.