An uptick in respiratory illness has prompted hospital officials to advise caution when visiting, following outbreaks over the winter in some long-term wards.

No units are under quarantine at present.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board said: “As has been reflected in national and international figures, BHB has seen an increase in the number of people with respiratory diseases, mostly flu, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus.

“This has resulted in higher admissions to acute and critical care beds over the winter months — although not at pandemic levels.”

Heightened numbers of cases for a string of illnesses were reported for the island in December by the health ministry’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit.

The BHB said flare-ups of illness had been seen this winter in its long-term units, including at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute and group homes.

In December, a long-term care unit had a number of patients who tested positive for RSV.

Two different long-term care units were hit with outbreaks this month — one with Covid-19 and another with flu.

The BHB said yesterday that all patients had since recovered.

“At this time, we do not have any clusters of cases and no units are quarantined, but we are seeing sporadic cases.

“Given the elevated risks of infection in the community, visitors should postpone visiting loved ones if they don’t feel well.

“Even if visitors feel well, we recommend they wear masks when in close contact with patients and residents in case they are infectious but do not have symptoms.

“Our current internal policy is that staff wear masks for all patient interactions to minimise any infection between staff and patients.”