Health Ministry reports more leptospirosis cases and deaths

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is reporting that Jamaica has recorded more cases and deaths of leptospirosis in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

In a release today, the ministry says the country has recorded 71 suspected/probable/confirmed cases, of which 26 are confirmed cases.

Further, the health ministry says 12 people have died, of which seven were confirmed as leptospirosis-related.

It says it is continuing its management of the disease across the island and is giving special attention to St James, St Ann, and St Elizabeth as they have the highest number of suspected/probable/confirmed cases.

St James has 15 cases, St Ann has 12, and there have been eight cases in St Elizabeth.

The health ministry is reminding the public that leptospirosis is preventable, treatable, and survivable if detected early and taken seriously.

It is advising persons to wear protective gear during clean-up, avoid flood water, secure food and water supplies, and keep their environment clean.

Meanwhile, the ministry says there are no other communicable diseases that are of concern currently, with dengue and influenza remaining below the threshold and below the normal numbers for this time of year.

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