A high number of acute respiratory infections have been reported in Grenada since the start of the new year according to reports.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shawn Charles said since the beginning of the year, some 3,280 cases of acute respiratory infections were reported, compared to the long-term average of 2,354. During the same period in 2022, only 1,228 cases were reported”.

The reports are seen mainly between the ages of 1 to 4 years and 25 to 44 years according to the CMO. But all ages are being affected.

The highest number of reports are coming from the districts of St George and St Andrew

Dr Charles says “the testing of samples revealed several viruses are currently in circulation and causing disease. These include H1 N1 virus (swine flu), the human metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus 1, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus”.

The CMO says these current viruses may be responsible for the increase in cold and flu cases currently being experienced.

Residents in Grenada are advised to take caution and take measures to prevent infections including regularly washing hands, wearing of masks ad seasonal flu shots