MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — The Hanover Health Department is urging continued vigilance against leptospirosis even as new and suspected cases of the disease are on the decline.

Health promotion and education officer for the parish, Andrene Smith-Benjamin, is advising residents to wear protective gear such as water boots and gloves as they conduct cleanup activities for Christmas.

She noted that leptospirosis is commonly spread through contact with the urine of infected rats, which can persist in water and soil for an extended period.

“The urine of the rat, it can contaminate the water for several months… likewise, it can be in the soil, especially if the soil is damp,” she said.

“If you go outside and you clean up, and you don’t use your gloves, you don’t wear proper shoes, that will put you at risk for leptospirosis,” she pointed out.

The health promotion and education officer, who was addressing a Ministry of Health and Wellness outreach activity at the Ramble Health Centre on Thursday, also urged residents to closely inspect food for rodent bites.

She said that people should avoid consuming food items that show signs of bites, tampering, or contamination.

“Once the package shows any form of opening, don’t eat it,” she cautioned, adding that canned or packaged foods should not be consumed if they are rusty, dented, dirty, missing labels, or appear to have been exposed to floodwaters.

She urged vigilance in households where rats may be present.

“Once there’s any presence of rats, you need to ensure that you clean up,” she said, noting that utensils, plates, and cutlery should be thoroughly washed.

Smith-Benjamin said that people should also avoid swimming in new water bodies that have emerged in some communities since the hurricane, as they pose a high risk of contamination.

“If you go swimming…the water can go in your mouth and down your throat,” she pointed out, noting that persons with cuts or open wounds are especially vulnerable when they come into contact with unsafe water.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, muscle and joint pain, particularly in the calf and back, diarrhea, vomiting, and jaundice, which presents as yellowing of the eyes or skin.

“If you or anyone you know should experience any of these symptoms, it is important for you to go to the hospital immediately,” Smith-Benjamin said.

“It’s not a death sentence, but if you have it and it’s left untreated, then it can lead to death,” she warned.

“Look out for the symptoms. Please try to protect yourselves and protect your families,” she said, urging continued vigilance and safe hygiene, food-handling, and cleanup practises.

— JIS