The Ministry of Health & Wellness has advised that no case of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been detected in Jamaica and that the Caribbean Public Health Agency has indicated that the current risk to the Caribbean is low.

The advisory comes amidst concerns about a reported outbreak of HMPV in China.

HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages.

Symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, which may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-Mckenzie says vulnerable groups, including children under five years, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, are more at risk.

Meantime, Dr Bisasor-Mckenzie notes that Jamaica is seeing an increase in respiratory illnesses as is usual at this time of the year.