Port-of-Spain, January 8, 2025: The public is hereby informed that the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health, along with the Ministry of Health team, is actively monitoring the situation in China. In this regard, the Ministry has consulted with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and received the following report:
“According to surveillance data from China CDC for the week of 23-29 December 2024, there continues to be a rise in acute respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, hMPV, rhinovirus and adenovirus. However, the overall scale and intensity of these infections remain lower than during the same period last year. A seasonal increase in respiratory pathogens is expected in countries of the northern hemisphere, particularly during the winter period.
On 2 January 2025, through communication with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), it was confirmed that there is no state of emergency declared by the country”.
The Ministry of Health takes this opportunity to remind the population that the Influenza vaccine is available, free of charge, at all health centres across the country. With the Carnival season upon us, vulnerable persons including the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised persons and those with chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are encouraged to get the Influenza vaccine.
The Ministry of Health will continue to provide updates to the public as necessary.
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