Tourists at low risk for leptospirosis in Jamaica, says health minister

As Jamaica continues to manage a leptospirosis outbreak, Minister of Health & Wellness Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, CD MP, assured on Thursday (November 27) that the situation poses no significant risk to tourists visiting the island.

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“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.

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.”

The Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Regional Health Authorities and parish health departments, continues to work closely with tourism operators to ensure visitor safety and access to health services. The public is reminded that leptospirosis is preventable, treatable, and survivable if detected early. Protective measures include wearing protective gear during clean-up, avoiding floodwaters, securing food and water supplies, and maintaining environmental cleanliness.

National Epidemiologist Dr. Karen Webster Kerr reported that the country’s leptospirosis death toll has risen to 14, up from 11 suspected cases the previous week. She confirmed 11 new cases based on positive PCR results, while seven previously suspected cases were ruled out after negative tests.

As of November 26, Jamaica has recorded 90 cases of leptospirosis, with 51 reported before Hurricane Melissa and 39 following the hurricane. All 14 deaths have been male patients.

St. James leads in case numbers with 14, followed by St. Ann with eight, and St. Elizabeth with four cases. Dr. Webster Kerr noted that other communicable diseases, including dengue and influenza, remain below normal thresholds for this time of year.