Barbados: Health officials in Barbados have reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for concern regarding a recent outbreak of a mysterious flu in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kenneth George, has confirmed that the illness, which has claimed 143 lives in the African nation, has not been detected in Barbados. He emphasized that the country’s robust surveillance system is capable of identifying any anomalies, including emerging infectious diseases.
Dr. George explained that the surveillance system monitors flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, both in the public and private healthcare sectors. The data collected is analyzed weekly to identify potential health threats.
While the situation in the Congo remains concerning, the CMO assured the public that there is currently no need for alarm. However, he acknowledged the importance of continued vigilance, given the global interconnectedness and the potential for rapid disease spread.