Leptospirosis Outbreak in Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

JAMAICA – Jamaican health officials have declared an outbreak of leptospirosis following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa late October.

The Category 5 storm brought nearly 30 inches of rain, triggering severe flooding and leaving large pools of stagnant water — ideal conditions for the bacterial disease to spread.

Nine cases have been confirmed, and more than two dozen others are under investigation.

The illness spreads through water contaminated by the urine of infected animals, often rodents. Early symptoms resemble the flu but can quickly escalate, causing kidney failure and organ damage.

Authorities are urging residents to avoid floodwaters whenever possible.