SVG’s health ministry says it is monitoring reports of HMPV cases overseas 

By Admin. Updated 1:35 p.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Although St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has not confirmed any cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), the country’s health ministry is actively monitoring reports of the virus’ presence in other countries.

In a January 7 press release, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment said it is closely monitoring the reports of an increase in respiratory viruses circulating in China. The reports speak of an increase in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus in the family with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Renowned health website WebMD says Human metapneumovirus, also known as HMPV, is a type of common respiratory virus. It belongs to a family of viruses called pneumoviridae – the same group the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) belongs to. 

“If you have HMPV, you might have mild cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, or a sore throat for a few days. In rare cases, you might have more serious symptoms, especially if you have a weakened immune system or other risk factors. Anyone can get it, but it’s more common in those who are very young or older,” WebMD says. 

SVG’s health ministry says, “The World Health Organization (WHO) on January 3, 2024 had not received reports from China of any unusual increase in respiratory illness. The latest surveillance data updates from China’s Center for Disease Control & Prevention (China CDC) surveillance data stated that the magnitude and intensity of infectious respiratory cases were lower than those recorded during the same period last year, although there has been a rise in acute respiratory infections in Northern provinces of China.”

“At this time, the Ministry will continue to strengthen respiratory disease surveillance systems across St Vincent and the Grenadines. This strengthening will include increasing our capacity to detect (laboratory or clinically), contain and implement our treatment protocols for said viruses. Routine surveillance for other infectious diseases will continue coupled with frequent awareness programmes for identified target groups,” the release said. 

The Ministry said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and update the public accordingly.

“The public is therefore advised to continue observing a healthy lifestyle which reduces exposure to viral infections, including frequent hand washing, minimizing contact with persons who are sick /crowds and seeking care early,” the ministry said.