Portlanders Urged to Take Precaution Against Leptospirosis

Following flooding across sections of Portland due to Hurricane Melissa, Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr. Sharon Lewis, is urging residents to take precautionary measures against leptospirosis.

Speaking at the recent monthly sitting of the Portland Municipal Corporation in Port Antonio, Dr. Lewis said there is an increased risk of human exposure to contaminated water and food, due to the floodwaters displacing disease-carrying rodents from their usual habitats like sewers and drains into buildings.

“Owners of homes and businesses, particularly of food establishments, should ensure that all possible entry points for rodents are properly screened off to prevent their entry,” she advised.

“Persons should also avoid wading in floodwaters, especially in areas where rodents are seen, or where animals such as dogs, goats, pigs, cows, and cats are located. These are some of the vectors of the leptospira bacteria,” she noted further.

Leptospirosis is a disease characterised by high fever, headache,
red eyes, muscle aches, abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

The condition usually resolves with treatment, Dr. Lewis pointed out.

“However, a few cases can go on to develop complications which can be fatal, especially if the condition is diagnosed late. Let us therefore do all that we can to protect ourselves and each other from the exposure to this potentially fatal disease,” she urged.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness’ epidemiology and environmental health teams have intensified surveillance across all parishes that were severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa to ensure early detection and prompt treatment of cases of leptospirosis.

As at November 17, there were 11 cases of leptospirosis, spread across the parishes of St. James, Hanover, St Elizabeth and St. Ann.