Tourists are Safe despite Leptospirosis Outbreak – Health Minister

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday (November 27), Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, CD MP noted that while the country manages the Leptospirosis outbreak, this is of no great risk to tourists coming to Jamaica.

According to the Minister, “We have discerned no great risk as it related to facilities that cater to tourists, including hotels and attractions. There is a certification process that is required for these facilities, and this is done collaboratively with the local health and tourism authorities. We are not giving an advisory to discourage visitors, but to alert the vulnerable communities, which have been identified.”

“We are managing the outbreak, and our discussion is intended to protect Jamaicans and heighten alertness. This can be easily misunderstood as panic; however, we are discouraging that,” added Dr. Tufton.

The Minister noted that the Ministry, the Regional Health Authorities and parish health departments will continue to work with all tourism interests to ensure that tourists are safe and can access health services when they visit the island.

The public is reminded that leptospirosis is preventable, treatable, and survivable, if detected early and taken seriously. The advisory is to wear protective gear during clean-up; avoid floodwater; secure food and water supplies and keep the environment clean.

“It is to be noted that there are no other communicable diseases that are of concern at this time, with Dengue and Influenza remaining below the threshold and below the normal numbers for this time of year,” the Minister said.