Daijiworld Media Network - Kingston

Kingston, Nov 22: Jamaica has declared an outbreak of the bacterial disease leptospirosis, suspected of causing six deaths, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck the Caribbean island on October 28.

The Category 5 hurricane brought catastrophic flooding and landslides, dumping around 30 inches (76 cm) of rain. Stagnant and contaminated water has created a breeding ground for the disease, officials said.

Health Minister Christopher Tufton announced on Friday (November 21, 2025) that nine cases have been confirmed between October 30 and November 20, with 28 additional suspected cases.

Leptospirosis spreads through water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, such as rodents. It can enter the human body through cuts in the skin or via the eyes, nose, and mouth. While early symptoms like fever, headache, and muscle aches may resemble flu, severe cases can cause kidney failure, liver damage, meningitis, and internal bleeding.

“The outbreak follows the passage of the storm which has created conditions that have increased the risk of exposure to contaminated water and soil,” Mr. Tufton said, warning that farmers, cleanup workers, emergency responders, and others navigating flood areas are at risk.

Hurricane Melissa caused an estimated $10 billion in damages, affecting tourism and agriculture and damaging nearly 200,000 buildings across the island.