(CDC)
Initial symptoms are often flu-like: Headache, fever, and chills. If left untreated, it can progress into a life-threatening situation, with kidney failure, meningitis, liver damage, or internal bleeding possible.
Dr Tufton said officials are taking an “early coordinated approach” toward managing the outbreak.
“Whether it is the public health inspectors on the ground, the supporting agencies of other Government Ministries, the private sector, and of course PAHO (Pan American Health Organization), it’s an all-hands-on-deck approach, and we will pull through this,” he said in a statement, adding the “outbreak” declaration is important, because it frees up resources like extra staffing and emergency funded needed to treat, detect, and monitor the situation.
“An official declaration signals to the health system that immediate action is needed to identify cases, to contain the spread, and to prevent severe illness or death,” Dr Tufton said.
Members of the public are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect they have developed a leptospirosis infection, and to avoid direct contact with floodwaters.
Header image: Damaged school after Hurricane Melissa made landfall. Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica. Submitted to The Weather Network by Shawn Wenzel.
