Jamaica’s leptospirosis cases increase; deaths jump to 12

Jamaica continues to grapple with the leptospirosis outbreak on the island, with the Ministry of Health and Wellness reporting an increase in confirmed cases and deaths.

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In a Thursday update, the ministry said there are now 71 suspected, probable, or confirmed cases across the island, including 26 laboratory-confirmed infections. Twelve people have died, and seven of those deaths have been verified as leptospirosis-related.

Health teams are closely monitoring St James, St Ann, and St Elizabeth, which account for the highest numbers so far. St James has 15 cases, St Ann has 12, and St Elizabeth has 8.

The ministry is again urging the public to take extra precautions during post-storm cleanup. Officials advise wearing protective gear, avoiding contact with floodwaters, securing food and drinking water, and keeping homes and surroundings clean. They stress that leptospirosis is preventable, treatable, and survivable when detected early.

Despite the uptick in leptospirosis, the ministry says no other communicable diseases are currently of concern, noting that dengue and influenza cases remain below expected levels for this time of year.

Minister of Health & Wellness Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton previously stated that the outbreak posed no significant risk to tourists visiting the island.

“We have discerned no great risk as it related to facilities that cater to tourists, including hotels and attractions. There is a certification process that is required for these facilities, and this is done collaboratively with the local health and tourism authorities. We are not giving an advisory to discourage visitors, but to alert the vulnerable communities, which have been identified,” the Minister said last week.

Dr. Tufton added that the advisory aims to protect Jamaicans and raise awareness, not to incite panic. “We are managing the outbreak, and our discussion is intended to protect Jamaicans and heighten alertness. This can be easily misunderstood as panic; however, we are discouraging that.”