St Vincent and the Grenadines has recorded a significant increase in influenza cases, Health Minister Daniel Cummings confirmed during a media conference on January 24.

Cummings said the country is not alone, noting that several Caribbean territories are also experiencing a rise in flu infections.

“The region is experiencing this similar phenomenon. In fact, the Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is in some way being affected by that,” he said.

According to the minister, the Chief Medical Officer has made recommendations to Cabinet to engage additional doctors to assist with the growing number of patients seeking treatment.

Cummings explained that the recent spike is linked to a particular strain of influenza that was introduced into the country, but stressed that health authorities have since been able to bring the situation under control.

“The ministry is aware of it and did take measures to be in a position to address it,” he added.

Globally, influenza cases typically increase between December and February.

The United States has also reported a surge in infections, with the most recent Centres for Disease Control (CDC) Influenza Surveillance Report showing that influenza A (H3N2) was the most frequently reported strain for the week ending January 17.