Barbados: Health Ministry urges vigilance as respiratory illness cases rise

Barbados: Health authorities in Barbados are continuously monitoring respiratory illness across the island. They are also urging citizens to maintain good hygiene and take precautions to reduce the spread of infection.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is monitoring respiratory illness activity as part of its ongoing public health surveillance. The ministry is monitoring illnesses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. Previously, Barbados has recorded seasonal increases in respiratory illnesses. This increase is recorded during periods when influenza and other viruses are more active.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has also reported increased cases of respiratory illness that have led to an increase in demand. In January 2026, the hospital reported that there has been a sustained rise in demand particularly because of an increase in respiratory illness, like influenza.

Health officials are reminding the public that they should take simple preventive measures that can help in limiting transmission. They suggested some preventive measures, like washing hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, people should use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap and water are unavailable, and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

People are also advised to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. In case, tissue is unavailable, they should cough or sneeze into the inside of the elbow and should properly dispose of used tissues.

The Ministry said that people should particularly be cautious when interacting with vulnerable people, including older adults and individuals with conditions such as asthma, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. The people who are at a greater risk of severe illness should continue to take their prescribed maintenance medication and follow medical advice.

Citizens who are experiencing respiratory symptoms are being told to take precautions around others and should wear a mask when visiting hospitals. The QEH has also encouraged people entering clinical areas to wear masks if they are experiencing increased respiratory illness activity.

The health authorities are continuously monitoring illness trends and are expected to provide further information to the people as development occurs. The surveillance that is currently going on will help in identifying changes in illness and disease patterns. It will help in taking appropriate health measures across Barbados.