Jamaica Hit by Deadly Leptospirosis Outbreak After Melissa

Jamaica’s struggle to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa has deepened. Jamaican health officials have confirmed a deadly outbreak of leptospirosis across several parishes. The bacterial disease is suspected to have claimed six lives already.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said nine cases were confirmed between 30 October and 20 November, and 28 more are under investigation.

Category 5 hurricane Melissa struck on October 28th and caused catastrophic flooding and landslides in several parts of the island. Stagnant water has created ideal conditions for the bacterial disease. “The outbreak follows the passage of the storm, which has created conditions that have increased the risk of exposure to contaminated water and soil,” Dr Tufton said in a press conference.

Leptospirosis spreads through water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals. Officials said people who contact floodwater are at risk, which includes farmers, cleanup workers and emergency responders.

Dr Tufton said the declaration allows rapid mobilisation of staff and resources. “It is an all-hands-on-deck approach, and we will pull through this.”

Eight parishes have confirmed or suspected cases. Public health teams have been warning residents who rely on river water.

The health crisis comes as Jamaica assesses the full extent of the storm’s destruction. Last Wednesday, the Inter-American Development Bank reported that Hurricane Melissa caused $8.8 billion in physical damage. This equals 41% of Jamaica’s 2024 GDP, and far exceeds the initial assessment reported by Prime Minister Andrew Holness days after the storm’s passage.