Health personnel at the St. Elizabeth Health Department are on top of efforts to prevent the spread of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases as the parish's Aedes index climbs to 10 per cent. Medical Expert at the St. Elizabeth Health Department, Dr. Carol Hamilton, said the index is up from six per cent before Hurricane Melissa swept through the parish...

A comprehensive rodent control programme is to be implemented across several communities in Westmoreland as public health officials intensify efforts to reduce environmental risks and improve sanitation standards. The initiative, which will be carried out by the Westmoreland Public Health Department, will target communities such as Negril, Grange Hill, Savanna-la-Mar, Petersfield, Whitehouse, Darliston and Bethel Town. Chief Public Health Inspector...

Residents of Westmoreland are being urged to take proactive steps to protect themselves against influenza as public health officials emphasise vaccination and basic prevention practices to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, told JIS News that influenza vaccination should ideally be taken before the start of the flu season...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is assuring the public that chemicals being used in fogging activities are considered safe for human health. Fogging is being conducted in several communities to control the increase in the mosquito population since Hurricane Melissa. Speaking with JIS News, Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said that fogging is a “safe method” for...

The Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), in St. James, has received medical supplies and equipment valued at more than $1.2 million from the Hummingbirds Association, a Jamaican diaspora organisation based in The Bahamas. The donation, which includes bassinets, baby scales, infusion pumps and a paediatric laryngoscope, is expected to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to deliver safe, quality care to newborns and...

State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon. Krystal Lee, is encouraging fathers to continue to play an active role in child-rearing and supporting the mothers of their children. Speaking at a maternal health outreach event held at the Mount Carey Health Centre in St. James on Wednesday (Dec.17), Ms. Lee noted that shared responsibility in child-rearing can...

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...