KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton has announced a decline in suspected and confirmed cases of leptospirosis across the island, describing the development as “encouraging for the country.”
Speaking during a virtual press briefing on December 11, Dr. Tufton credited the reduction to the coordinated work of the ministry’s field teams and partner agencies involved in post-flood clean-up and public health interventions.
“Our teams are in the fields, along with other agencies involved in clean-up activities, doing the work, and I think this is paying off,” he said.
However, the minister stressed that the improvement should not lead to complacency.
“Leptospirosis is preventable, treatable, and survivable, and if detected early, action must be taken. The advisory continues to be to wear protective gear during clean-up, avoid floodwaters, secure food and water supplies, and keep the environment clean,” he cautioned.
Dengue and Influenza Remain Below Threshold
Dr. Tufton also reported that dengue and influenza cases remain below the national threshold for this year. He attributed this trend to the Government’s early and extensive vector-control response.
“When we had the dengue outbreak, the Government invested heavily in vehicles, in foggers, in personnel—more than doubling the number of personnel in the field as it relates to vector management. I believe we are seeing the benefits of that in terms of more hands on the ground, more equipment, and the public education programme,” he said.
High-Risk Communities Receiving Treatment
Leptospirosis is spread through water contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rats, as well as cats and livestock. Individuals who come into contact with contaminated water, soil, or mud and develop symptoms are advised to seek medical care immediately.
The minister reported that more than 75 per cent—approximately 524—of high-risk communities have been visited and treated islandwide.
The ministry’s focus for December through January is to intensify interventions, aiming to reduce the danger index in all high-risk communities to below 25 and minimize the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission.
Water Safety Measures Expanded
As part of water safety efforts, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has distributed approximately 2.6 million chlorine tablets to regional health authorities, with active distribution ongoing in the most affected communities.
“Already, the western region has distributed more than 400,000 to several affected communities, and we encourage the population to continue to take the necessary precaution as it relates to water,” Dr. Tufton said.
