KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness is ramping up measures to help the public safeguard their health by promoting safe water and food practices, highlighting the risk associated with flooding.

According to Portfolio Minister, Christopher Tufton, key focus is on reinforcing the importance of hygiene and outlining steps to prevent mosquito-borne and rodent diseases.

“These messages are part of a broader national response aimed at protecting lives, reducing illness and supporting communities as they work to recover and return to normalcy. Leptospirosis is a significant public health risk, following heavy rainfall, flooding or any other major disaster,” the minister said, while addressing a virtual press briefing on November 16.

Noting that the bacteria that causes the disease thrives in water contaminated by the urine of infected animals, especially rats, as well as cats and livestock, Tufton said the “illness can affect anyone who comes in contact with contaminated water, soil or mud”.

“That means farmers, clean-up crews, emergency responders, and everyday citizens navigating flood areas are all at risk. What makes leptospirosis particularly dangerous, is that its early symptoms, which are fever, body aches, headache, and weakness can easily be mistaken for flu,” he pointed out.

Tufton said without quick medical attention, the disease can rapidly become severe, affecting the liver, kidneys, lungs, and “even leading to death”.

The minister emphasised that persons must get themselves checked if they experience the early symptoms, as the disease is treatable.

Tufton said wearing protective gear during clean-up, avoiding flood water, securing food and water supplies, keeping the environment clean, and controlling rodents “are among the most effective steps that we need to take”.

— JIS