Health authorities are urging Jamaicans to seek medical care early as 11 leptospirosis cases have been confirmed following Hurricane Melissa. Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie says early treatment greatly improves outcomes, even as hospitals in the hardest-hit parishes face reduced capacity, crowding and temporary field operations. Officials warn that flooding has increased the risk of leptospirosis and other infectious diseases, making early medical attention essential.
 

11 leptospirosis, 2 tetanus cases confirmed in west

Flooding fuelling spike in disease risk, say officials

Jamaica Gleaner/17 Nov 2025/Edmond Campbell/ Senior Staff Reporter edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com

THE MINISTRY of Health and Wellness is reporting 11 cases of leptospirosis following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

According to Dr Karen Webster Kerr, principal medical officer and national epidemiologist, the cases are spread across St James, Hanover, St Elizabeth, and St Ann. Two cases were identified in Catherine Hall, St James, an area that experienced extensive flooding during the hurricane.

Health authorities warn that the widespread flooding in the hardest-hit parishes creates ideal conditions for an increase in infectious diseases.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-mckenzie said current conditions heighten the risk of contamination and transmission of leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is typically trans- mitted through exposure to urine or bodily fluids from infected animals. Individuals who work outdoors or come into contact with floodwaters face the highest risk. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts, bruises, or broken skin. Severe cases may require hospitalisation, especially when treatment is delayed.

Bisasor-mckenzie urged Jamaicans to seek medical care early if they develop symptoms. She said treatment is available and most cases can be managed suc- cessfully. However, she cautioned that late presentations with severe symptoms can lead to poorer out- comes, including death.

Speaking on Sunday during an online forum by the health ministry on food and water-borne diseases, Webster Kerr said other diseases that could emerge following a disaster such as Hurricane Melissa include dengue, tetanus, and typhoid.

She reported that dengue activ- ity currently remains low, though this could change in the coming weeks.

The ministry is also tracking two adult tetanus cases – one in Westmoreland and one in St Elizabeth. Tetanus is a serious infection of the nervous system caused by toxin-producing bacteria. Webster Kerr added that there are no current outbreaks of gastroenteritis or fever-related illnesses.

HOSPITALS SEVERELY IMPACTED

Updating the country on healthcare conditions in the worst-affected parishes, the CMO said five hospitals have been severely impacted but continue to provide services despite difficult circumstances.

The Falmouth Hospital’ Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) was significantly affected, but a field hospital has been established and is already receiving patients.

At the Cornwall Regional Hospital, bed capacity has been sharply reduced, and patients visiting the A&E Department may experience severe crowding. A field hospital is also being set up to ease pressure on the facility.

In St Elizabeth, the Black River Hospital has reduced services, but its A&E Department remains operational. A field hospital has been erected at Black River High to support the facility.

“While we say that persons need to seek care early because we do want an early intervention, we do understand that there are challenges at the hospital and so, therefore, persons must seek care; but they must understand that there are some challenging situations,” the CMO said.

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