Jamaica Declares Leptospirosis Outbreak After Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica has declared an outbreak of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection linked to six deaths, in the wake of Hurricane Melissa's devastating strike on the island last month. The Category 5 storm barreled into the Caribbean nation on October 28, unleashing up to 30 inches of rain that triggered widespread flooding and landslides, creating ideal conditions for the disease to spread through contaminated water and soil.

Health Minister Christopher Tufton announced the outbreak on Friday, reporting nine confirmed cases and 28 suspected or probable ones between October 30 and November 20 across eight parishes. The surge marks a sharp increase compared to previous months, when cases typically ranged from two to 21 nationwide. Officials attribute the rise to stagnant floodwaters tainted by urine from infected animals such as rats, dogs, cats and livestock. The Leptospira bacteria can survive in fresh water for months and enters the body through cuts in the skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth.

The hardest-hit areas include St. James, with 17 cases including four confirmed and two deaths, particularly around Montego Bay. Other affected parishes are St. Ann with six cases,...