Parents and guardians have been urged to keep children presenting with respiratory tract infections home until they are fever-free and feeling better. Photo: Internet Source

National Epidemiologist Ms Harmonie Brewley-Massiah revealed that childcare centres have reported a noticeable rise in children presenting with respiratory tract infection symptoms. Photo: VINO/File

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is closely monitoring an increase in respiratory tract infections among young children across the territory. Photo: Internet Source

National Epidemiologist Ms Harmonie Brewley-Massiah revealed that childcare centres have reported a noticeable rise in children presenting with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, diarrhoea, fatigue, irritability, and decreased activity. 

Respiratory tract infections affect the nose, throat, airways, or lungs, are most often caused by viruses, and are common among young children whose immune systems are still developing and who spend time in close contact with others in childcare and school settings.

Childcare settings can faciliate spread of infection

Ms Brewley-Massiah said since the start of the school term, reporting centres have indicated that between 60 and 90 per cent of children have been absent at least once due to illness.

She explained that childcare settings are well recognised as environments where respiratory infections can spread easily through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces such as toys, tables, or door handles.

“Group size, room layout, ventilation, and duration of exposure all influence transmission.”

Advice to parents & caregivers 

Parents and caregivers have been encouraged to monitor children closely for signs of more serious illness. Children who are premature, under two years of age with chronic lung or heart conditions, or who are immunocompromised may be at greater risk.

Parents should also seek medical care if a child develops a fever of 37.8°C or higher, has a persistent cough, difficulty feeding, rapid or laboured breathing, wheezing, or unusual drowsiness.

Children should also be kept home if they are unwell and should be encouraged to practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette and frequent handwashing. 

Those who are ill should return to childcare centres only when fever-free and feeling well. 

“When children attend childcare while ill, infections can spread quickly to other children and staff, including those who may be more vulnerable to complications. Keeping unwell children at home helps childcare centres maintain their illness policies and supports a safer environment for all children,” Ms Brewley-Massiah added. 

The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it is continuing to monitor the situation closely.