Jamaica is now facing an outbreak of leptospirosis in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, with Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton confirming six suspected deaths to date.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Tufton reported that nine cases have been confirmed, while another 28 suspected or probable cases were recorded between October 30 and November 20. The deaths reported fall within the suspected category.
Tufton said the current figures represent a sharp rise compared to the two to 21 cases documented over the previous 34 months. He noted that the outbreak is directly linked to environmental conditions created by Hurricane Melissa, which increased exposure to contaminated water and soil.
The Category 5 hurricane struck Jamaica on October 28.
Leptospirosis is commonly transmitted through contact with urine or bodily fluids from infected animals.
Eight parishes have reported confirmed or suspected cases: St Ann, St Mary, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St Catherine and Trelawny. Additional reports remain under investigation.
According to Dr Karen Webster Kerr, principal medical officer and national epidemiologist, St James has the highest number of cases with 17, followed by St Ann with six, and St Elizabeth with four.
St James has also recorded two deaths. One death has been confirmed in St Elizabeth, two in Hanover and one in Westmoreland.
Webster Kerr added that most of those affected are men in their 20s, and all deaths so far have occurred among males.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie explained that while many leptospirosis cases resemble mild flu-like illnesses, the disease can progress to severe forms.
“It can involve the liver and the kidney, it can also involve the brain, and it can also involve the lungs with bleeding in the lungs and can lead to respiratory failure,” she said.
Tufton stressed that declaring an outbreak is a critical step in activating a faster, more coordinated national response. The designation, he said, unlocks resources, strengthens surveillance and helps reduce the overall impact on the health system.
“This is not an indication of a panic or certainly not encouraging anyone to get into a state of panic. It is a requirement for us to speak about this. It is something that can be managed, can be controlled, can be treated, and beyond the normal numbers, we have to make it known, and we are making it known so that the public can be informed,” he said.
The Government’s response will involve several agencies and international partners. Tufton said Jamaica has already secured approximately 5,600 PCR tests for leptospirosis and identified 100 point-of-care test facilities. The authorities will also undertake targeted cleanup operations, distribute cleaning agents and equipment, increase public education campaigns and deliver potable water to hospitals and affected communities.
sashana.small@gleanerjm.com
