Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Richinel Brug warns
against unnecessary unrestin our community. As flu season is upon us, rumors and misinformation
can easily spread panic. However, Minister Brug emphasizes the importance of relying on accurate
information backed by data from the ministry of Public Health, specifically from the department of
Collective Prevention Services (CPS).
Amidst the current flu season, parts of China are dealing with what is referred to as the HMPV
outbreak. Contrary to recent article published in local media and on social media, this virus is not
a new respiratory illness. Neither is it new to countries this part of the world nor Sint Maarten, as
we have had cases in recent years. Our competent and dedicated professionals at the department
of Collective Prevention Services (CPS) have been closely monitoring this outbreak and will
continue to do so. As stated before, HMPV is a virus that is quite familiar as Sint Maarten has cases
annually.
As is common every flu season, countries all over the world including Sint Maarten are faced with
an increase in different flu cases. CPS is closely in contact with our health partners within the
Dutch Caribbean and RIVM.
Let it be clear that this Government, my person, and our hardworking civil servants within the
Ministry of Public Health continue to work diligently in a pro-active manner to ensure the safety and
wellbeing of our people. While vigilance is necessary, there is no immediate cause for alarm or
drastic action. If and when Sint Maarten would have to escalade our preparations, we will do so in
a coordinated and planned manner.