THE National Referral Hospital has recorded 10 respiratory-related deaths since the country recorded cases of influenza-liked-illnesses in July this year.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services said since July, 1593 respiratory presentations were recorded at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) Emergency Department.
It said of these, there have been 10 respiratory-related deaths.
“Five of these deaths were amongst ages between 44 to 84 years that have underlying health conditions and the other five were amongst children aged 0 to 14 years, two of whom had known underlying condition,” the Ministry said.
It said of the 10 deaths, four had influenza AH3, one with chlamydia pneumonia, two had no swabs taken, one swab was invalid and one swab returned negative for any viruses or bacteria and the other result is still pending.
“Laboratory testing continues to show Respiratory viruses as the cause for the outbreak of current flu like illness experienced with Influenza A Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, adenovirus and all causes of the common cold or flu,” the Ministry said.
It warned that these viruses can cause severe diseases, hospitalization, and deaths in certain people who are more at risk such as small children and older adults, people with co-existing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease and obesity and others.
The Ministry added that the cases of respiratory illnesses undergo testing for SARS-Cov_2m that causes COVID-19, but the number of samples tested positive for COVID are very low.
