The Jamaica government Friday confirmed an outbreak of leptospirosis with with health authorities saying that six people have so far died as a result.
‘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 told a news conference, adding that there has also been a rise in confirmed and suspected cases across eight parishes.
Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica on October 28 causing widespread damage, mainly to the western section of the island. At least 42 people have died and 15 are missing. The damage is estimated at nearly nine billion US dollars.
Leptospirosis symptoms often start with flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and red eyes. Some people may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. In more severe cases, the illness can progress to a second phase with serious complications like kidney failure, liver failure, jaundice, and meningitis, and can be fatal.