Jamaican health authorities have declared a leptospirosis outbreak following Hurricane Melissa, with fatalities reaching six among 37 total infections detected across eight parishes. Health Minister Christopher Tufton said confirmed diagnoses stand at nine while another 28 remain under investigation, representing a dramatic surge from typical monthly figures that previously ranged between two and 21 cases.
St James leads all regions with 17 recorded infections, trailed by St Ann with six and St Elizabeth with four. National Epidemiologist Karen Webster Kerr noted all deceased victims were male, with most patients being men in their twenties. The bacterial disease spreads through contact with contaminated water and soil tainted by infected animal waste, conditions exacerbated by post-storm flooding.
Chief Medical Officer Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie warned the illness can escalate from mild symptoms to severe organ damage affecting the kidneys, liver and lungs, potentially causing hemorrhaging and breathing complications.
St James leads all regions with 17 recorded infections, trailed by St Ann with six and St Elizabeth with four. National Epidemiologist Karen Webster Kerr noted all deceased victims were male, with most patients being men in their twenties. The bacterial disease spreads through contact with contaminated water and soil tainted by infected animal waste, conditions exacerbated by post-storm flooding.
Chief Medical Officer Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie warned the illness can escalate from mild symptoms to severe organ damage affecting the kidneys, liver and lungs, potentially causing hemorrhaging and breathing complications.
