The Ministry of Health and Wellness said yesterday that a claim by Free National Movement Chairman Dr. Duane Sands, a former minister of health, that there is a surge in respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses among children and adults is false.

"For the purposes of clarification, the ministry wishes to advise that the National Disease Surveillance Unit does not have any information that suggests that there has been a significant increase in the number of upper respiratory infections and gastroenteritis across the country," the ministry said in a statement.

"Surveillance teams have reported that both infections are presently being recorded at numbers consistent with what is expected at this time of year among children and adults.

"This is measured against a pre-COVID baseline. Further reports provided by health facilities country-wide do not indicate that there is a challenge among hospitalizations in these groupings or a specific challenge with the pediatric population.

"The ministry is also reporting that required medication to treat upper respiratory infection and gastroenteritis is available at public health facilities with the exception of liquid ibuprofen which is as a result of a global shortage."

In a voice message on Monday, Sands warned Bahamians to be vigilant over an "upsurge" in respiratory illnesses.

"Did you know that across The Bahamas, for the last few weeks, we have seen an upsurge in respiratory illnesses affecting adults, infants, and children, and yet despite this huge upsurge, very little information has been provided for parents to protect their children?" he said.

"So many children have been impacted that emergency rooms, clinics, and doctor's offices have been inundated with children with severe respiratory and gastrointestinal complaints."

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