Well being authorities in St Lucia have confirmed the presence of the Omicron variant HV.1 of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
This revelation comes within the wake of a noticeable surge in people displaying signs akin to flu throughout the previous two months.
Elevated flu-like sicknesses
The Ministry of Well being, Wellness, and Aged Affairs launched an official assertion highlighting the regarding uptick in flu-like sicknesses throughout the island.
This surge is obvious within the rising variety of visits to each emergency departments and Wellness Facilities, significantly amongst youngsters below the age of 5.
World tendencies replicate native observations
Echoing St Lucia’s expertise, world well being tendencies have witnessed comparable patterns, primarily affecting areas in Europe, Central Asia, and North America.
These adjustments are attributed to seasonal shifts within the temperate Northern Hemisphere.
Alarming statistics from the WHO
The World Well being Group (WHO) reported a 42 per cent enhance in COVID-19 hospitalizations 62 per cent rise in ICU admissions in December 2023, in comparison with the earlier month.
Affirmation of Omicron Variant HV.1
On January 17, St Lucia’s Ministry of Well being obtained laboratory outcomes from the Caribbean Public Well being Company (CARPHA) in Trinidad, confirming the presence of the Omicron variant HV.1 in submitted samples.
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) in america have recognized HV.1 because the dominant variant, exhibiting signs intently resembling these of a standard chilly or the flu.
These signs embody fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, cough, runny nostril, sore throat, and congestion.
Transmission and severity
Whereas Omicron variant HV.1 is very transmissible, specialists assert that it isn’t related to extreme sickness. This, they consider is probably going the rationale behind the surge in respiratory sicknesses inside the nation.
The Ministry of Well being urges the general public to undertake preventive measures to curb the unfold of respiratory sicknesses.
These embody sustaining correct hand hygiene by common hand washing, protecting one’s nostril and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and carrying face masks in crowded locations and when experiencing flu-like signs.
Flu season and vaccination
The Ministry of Well being reminds the general public that St Lucia is presently within the midst of the flu season, spanning from October to March.
To safeguard public well being, the flu vaccine is available freed from cost at varied wellness facilities.
Moreover, the COVID-19 Janssen vaccine is accessible and may be administered as a booster, particularly for people with underlying well being situations or continual sicknesses.
