KINGSTON, Jamaica — The island has recorded 14 leptospirosis-related deaths, six of which have been confirmed.

This was revealed by Principal Medical Officer and National Epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Karen Webster-Kerr, during a press conference on Thursday.

“We have had 14 leptospirosis-related deaths, six of which have been confirmed, four pre-Melissa and 10 post-Melissa, with six confirmed cases all being from post-Melissa,” she said.

She said the country has so far recorded a total of 90 cases. Fifty-one of those cases were pre-Hurricane Melissa and 39 cases were post-Hurricane Melissa. Of the 90 cases, some 21 cases have been confirmed — three cases pre-Hurricane Melissa and 18 post-Hurricane Melissa.

The most affected persons were in the 20–29 age category and those 60 years and older. Dr Webster-Kerr noted that males predominate both the cases and number of deaths, particularly in the 20 to 29 age category and persons 60 years and older.

“St James continues to have the greatest number of cases, followed by St Ann and St Elizabeth,” she said.

In relation to dengue, Dr Webster-Kerr said the country continues to be in low activity. “Up to today, we have gotten back 39 results of dengue for dengue testing, all ranging from the eighth to the 18th of November. All of these were negative. So we are indeed low activity for dengue.”

Additionally, the epidemiologist noted the country is below alert and epidemic thresholds for respiratory illnesses.

“When we look at influenza-like illnesses over our 78 sentinel sites to get a feel of what is happening, for all ages, we were in normal range. That is, we are below alert and epidemic threshold. When we looked at hospital admissions for severe acute respiratory illnesses, we are in normal levels. So we are below alert and epidemic thresholds… All parishes are within normal range for acute respiratory infection in all age groups,” she said.

Similarly, she said in all parishes, the country is in normal range for gastroenteritis. For fever, the county is also in normal range for all age groups.

However, Westmoreland and Kingston and St Andrew (KSA) are at epidemic levels for accidents.

“So from hurricane week to the last week ending on Saturday, Westmoreland has seen an increase to epidemic levels for injuries and that causes a risk for tetanus, which we have to remind persons to get treated because they need to have vaccination if they have been injured. And we have seen an increase in injuries and particularly nail injuries,” Dr Webster-Kerr said.

She said the country had two reports of tetanus post-Hurricane Melissa, with both being nail injuries. The epidemiologist said a 71-year-old male from Westmoreland was clinically diagnosed; however, he died. The other person is under investigation.