Health & Environment Ministry report prevalent strains of influenza are the H3N2 and H2N2 viruses

The Health & Environment Ministry has reported that the prevalent strains of influenza affecting Dominican citizens are the H3N2 and H2N2 viruses. An official release by the Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of acute respiratory infections in Dominica, and stated that there are three different types of viruses circulating in Dominica, namely the Para Influenza type 2 viruses, the Rhino virus, and the Respiratory Syncytial virus.
 
According to National Epidemiologist, Dr. Shalauddin Ahmed, the outbreak is affecting all seven health districts, and seems to be spreading more in the Roseau Health Districts. Ahmed says “In the beginning, we have seen clinical presentation more like the par influenza type 2, and later in the outbreak, we are seeing influenza flu …. which is more similar to Influenza Type A (H3N2)”.
 
The epidemiologist is encouraging the public to get vaccinated. He says the Ministry of Health has invested heavily in costly flu vaccines. Ahmed also stressed that soon, further vaccination will be needed, as there are two major flu seasons in Dominica, this being the first, and the other sometime around the month of February.