S.S.B. Observes Increase in Respiratory Illnesses  

Last month, the Ministry of Health and Wellness recorded a slight increase in the number of COVID cases in Belize. While the virus has resurfaced, the ministry stressed that there has not yet been a need for an official caution. Additionally, respiratory illnesses have also been on the rise. Today, C.E.O. Deborah Ruiz said that the board has recorded an increase in respiratory diseases. 

 

Deborah Ruiz C.E.O., S.S.B.

“We don’t necessarily see an increase in COVID. We do see respiratory diseases, and it could very well be because persons are not going to the hospital to get tested or using the homemade kits. But yes, there are increases in the respiratory, but not COVID or post COVID times. Not a significant increase per se.”

 

Reporter

“When did you see this update, or when was it noticed?”

 

Deborah Ruiz

“We monitor cases on a monthly basis, so in terms of what I report to the board, we will look at the top ten diagnosis, and there’s always respiratory infection that is high on the list apart from hypertension and the other types of issues.”

 

Reporter

“So that has been so far for the year?”

 

Deborah Ruiz

“Yes.”