Respiratory illness cases rise

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is reporting an increase in fever and respiratory illness cases among people five years and older, following two weeks of decline.
Cases rose above the alert level during the week ending August 15, with COVID-19 accounting for the majority of positive nasopharyngeal swab tests, followed by Influenza B and Rhinovirus.

The ministry said the levels were higher than those recorded the previous week, with reports from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Emergency Department and private medical practitioners also supporting the increase.

People over 65, pregnant women and those with chronic diseases are considered at higher risk of severe illness.

The ministry is encouraging people who are ill to wear masks when coughing or sneezing around others, avoid close contact with vulnerable people, practise good hand and respiratory hygiene and seek medical attention if severely ill.

Those at higher risk are also advised to consider wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated settings and take additional precautions while respiratory illnesses are circulating. (Ministry of Health & Wellness/BGIS)