Tufton confirms leptospirosis outbreak in Jamaica

According to Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton Jamaica is currently facing a leptospirosis outbreak as a result of Hurricane Melissa, with six probable deaths so far.

During a press conference this morning, the health minister stated that nine cases of the disease have been confirmed, and there are 28 suspected or probable cases from October 30 to November 20.

He said the deaths reported are from the suspected cases.

He said the number reflects significantly more cases than the two to 21 cases observed in the preceding 34 months.

"The outbreak follows the passage of Hurricane Melissa which has created conditions that have increased the risk of exposure to contaminated water, and soil," Tufton stated.

Leptospirosis is typically transmitted through exposure to urine or bodily fluids from infected animals.

The Minister noted that eight parishes have confirmed and or suspected cases; St Ann, St Mary, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St Catherine and Trelawny.

He noted that additional reported cases are under investigation.

Dr Karen Webster Kerr, principal medical officer and national epidemiologist, stated that St James had the highest number of cases with 17, followed by St Ann, and St Elizabeth, six and four respectively. St James has confirmed two deaths, St Elizabeth one, Hanover, two and Westmoreland one.

She noted that individuals in their twenties, predominantly men, are being most affected; all the deaths recorded so far have been among males.

Jamaica's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, stated that the majority of leptospirosis cases present mild flu like illnesses, however the illness can also develop into more severe forms.

"It can involve the liver and the kidney, it can also involve the brain, and it can also involve the lungs with bleeding in the lungs and can lead to respiratory failure," she said.

Health Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton said declaring an outbreak is important because it enables the country to activate a faster more coordinated public health response, unlocks resources, and strengthens national surveillance.

"This early coordinated approach help to limit the scale of the outbreak and reduces pressure on the health system," he said.

He said it also helps with transparency, and clear communication with the public, even as he urges citizens not to panic or fall victim to misinformation.

"This is not an indication of a panic or certainly not encouraging anyone to get into a state of panic. It is a requirement for us to speak about this. It is something that can be managed, can be controlled, can be treated, and beyond the normal numbers, we have to make it known, and we are making it known so that the public can be informed," he said.

He said the government's response to the outbreak will be a multi agency approach, while it works with international partners.

Already, he said some 5600 PCR tests for leptospirosis have been secured, and 100 point of care test facilities identified.

Responsible agencies will also be conducting targeted clean up activities, distributing cleaning agents and equipment, issuing messages about the disease and transporting potable water to hospitals and communities.

- Sashana Small

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