Health authorities in Portland are urging stakeholders to remain vigilant in the fight against leptospirosis and to step up efforts to reduce the parish’s rodent population. Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Sharon Lewis, reported during the Portland Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting on March 12 that four suspected cases of leptospirosis were recently notified to the Portland Health Department – three...

The North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA) has handed over 12 new Swingfog fogging machines, valued approximately $5.6 million, to the St. Ann, St. Mary, and Portland Health Departments. The equipment, which includes adapters and silencers, was officially presented during a recent handover ceremony at the Ocean Village Shopping Centre in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. The St. Ann Health Department...

Jamaica has received 21 state-of-the-art patient monitors from the Federal Republic of Germany, valued at US$25,000, for distribution to several health facilities. Patient monitors are devices used to measure, record, and display various patient parameters, such as heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate and blood oxygen saturation to keep track of patients’ health and provide them with...

Parents are being reminded to ensure that children with rashes on their scalp are taken to a doctor to be assessed and adequately treated to prevent the spread of the tinea capitis infection. The call comes from Medical Officer of Health for Portland, Dr. Sharon Lewis, as she gave a report during Thursday’s (March 12) sitting of the Portland Municipal...

Residents of Westmoreland are being encouraged to prioritise preventive health measures, including screening for colorectal cancer and adopting healthier dietary habits as part of efforts to reduce the burden of chronic diseases in the parish. Medical Officer of Health for Westmoreland, Dr. Marcia Graham, made the call while addressing the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation meeting in Savanna-la-Mar, on March 12. She...

Public health specialist, Dr. Marcia Johnson-Campbell, is encouraging Jamaican women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to seek support and follow through with timely treatment, to ensure the best outcomes. She noted that early detection remains critical in improving survival. “Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Delays in diagnosis and treatment are directly linked...

The Government is advancing recruitment for healthcare workers as part of medium and long-term measures to fill gaps in the health system following the end of the technical cooperation agreement with Cuba. Addressing a virtual press briefing on Monday (March 9), Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, shared that just under 140 applications have been received...