KINGSTON, Jamaica — The island has recorded 14 leptospirosis-related deaths, six of which have been confirmed, the Ministry of Health and Wellness announced on Thursday.
Dr Karen Webster-Kerr, Principal Medical Officer and National Epidemiologist, said the deaths include four pre-Hurricane Melissa and 10 post-Hurricane Melissa, with all six confirmed cases occurring after the hurricane. Jamaica has so far reported 90 cases, 51 pre-Melissa and 39 post-Melissa, with 21 confirmed cases in total.
The most affected groups are persons aged 20–29 and those 60 years and older, with males predominating both in cases and deaths. Parishes most impacted include St James, St Ann, and St Elizabeth.
Dr Webster-Kerr also provided updates on other health concerns:
- Dengue activity remains low, with 39 tests from November 8–18 all negative.
- Respiratory illnesses and gastroenteritis remain within normal range across all parishes and age groups.
- Westmoreland and Kingston & St Andrew have reached epidemic levels for injuries, raising tetanus risk. Two post-Melissa tetanus cases were reported, including a 71-year-old male from Westmoreland who died.
The Ministry continues to monitor the situation and urges residents to seek vaccination and treatment for injuries, particularly following Hurricane Melissa
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