Grenada registers cases of multiple COVID-19 variants

The Caribbean nation of Grenada has joined the long list of CARICOM nations that have recorded cases of multiple COVID-19 variants recently.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) based in Trinidad has clarified that Grenada has presented with recorded cases of the JN.1, JN.5 and JG.3 COVID-19 variants, which have been prevailing in the region recently.

During the period between the 21st of January to the 27th of January, Grenada has recorded 27 confirmed cases of Covid-19, according to the Epidemiology Surveillance Report. Expectations are that the number will rise in the near future, considering the trend seen in the region, which is seen as a reason for concern.

The report was released by the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health and states the following, “This is the first time that these have been identified by CMML (CARPHA Medical Microbiology Laboratory) for Grenada.”

The World Health Organisation has explained that these variants are derivatives of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and are known to alter their genetic code, most often in the make-up of the spike protein.

To complicate matters further, Grenada is also grappling with outbreaks of other acute respiratory diseases and dengue fever. The cumulative effect of these outbreaks has placed public health authorities in the nation in a precarious position.

On a more positive note, a drop has been noticed in dengue cases, which are now down to three, compared 14 previously, although one of those patients is suffering from severe symptoms.

The report went on to state the following, “Influenza A (H3N2), Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza 3, & Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are the respiratory pathogens identified. Respiratory hygiene measures continue to be recommended to manage the current situation.”

Coxsackievirus has also become a matter of concern, as 29 cases have been recorded, according to the report.

Coxsackievirus is considered highly contagious and often referred to as the hand, foot and mouth disease. The disease can be passed on by a carrier through person-to-person contact, from unwashed hands and contaminated surfaces as well.

The disease can also be spread via droplets released in the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. This is why Coxsackievirus is seen as a hard disease to contain and has become a matter of concern in Grenada.