Jamaica is presently experiencing an outbreak of leptospirosis with nine confirmed cases.

There have also been 28 suspected and or probable cases as of October 30, with six deaths reported from among the suspected cases.

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton made the announcement Friday morning during a press briefing to provide an update on the health sector’s response in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

He said cases or suspected cases have been reported across eight parishes.

The health and wellness minister noted that the number “represents 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 said.

He noted that it is a significant public health risk following heavy rainfall, flooding or any major disaster, pointing out that “the bacteria that causes the disease strives in water contaminated by the urine of infected animals, in particular rats, but also cats, dogs and livestock”.

He is imploring persons, in particular those taking part in the clean-up exercise in the aftermath of the hurricane, to take extreme caution by, among other things, wearing the proper protective gear.

-Lynford Simpson