Jamaica faces deadly leptospirosis outbreak after Hurricane Melissa, health officials report multiple deaths and cases
Minister of Health Dr. Christopher Tufton confirmed six suspected deaths linked to bacterial infection and reported nine confirmed cases, with an additional 28 suspected or probable cases documented between October 30 and November 20, 2025.
“This is an all-hands-on-deck approach, whether it is public health inspectors on the ground, supporting agencies of other State Departments, the private sector and of course PAHO, and we will get through this,” he added.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread primarily through contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, such as rodents. Flooding and widespread water pollution caused by Hurricane Melissa created ideal conditions for bacteria to proliferate, primarily in St. James, St. Anne, St. It increased the risk of exposure for residents in several neighborhoods, including Elizabeth and Hanover.
Jamaica’s national epidemiologist, Dr. Karen Webster Kerr noted a sharp increase in cases compared to previous years. While typically two to 21 cases of leptospirosis occur per month in Jamaica from 2023 to October 2025, the current outbreak has already produced 35 cases in November alone, underscoring the significant public health problem caused by post-hurricane environmental conditions.
The highest concentration of cases is in St. Petersburg, with 17 suspected and confirmed infections and two deaths. Reported in St. James area; followed by St. Petersburg with six cases. Ann, with four cases, including one death, in St. Elizabeth and Hanover followed, which recorded three cases and two deaths. The majority of those affected are men in their 20s, and all deaths recorded so far have occurred in men. Chief Health Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie emphasized that the risk now extends beyond traditional vulnerable groups such as farmers. People participating in cleanup efforts, emergency responders, and people passing through flooded areas are now at high risk of contracting the disease, making widespread public education and preventative measures vital.
Jamaican authorities mobilized a coordinated response that included cleanup operations, distribution of cleaning agents, deployment of diagnostic resources including more than 5,600 PCR tests and multiple point-of-care testing sites, and public awareness campaigns to reduce the spread of leptospirosis.
Hospitals across the country are equipped with antibiotics and necessary treatment materials.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is working to support Jamaica’s public health response by providing technical expertise and laboratory support to assist in diagnosis and containment efforts.
Hurricane Melissa caused an estimated $10 billion in damage in Jamaica, affecting agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure, increasing health risks related to disease outbreaks such as leptospirosis, tetanus, and dengue fever.
Health officials continue to urge residents to avoid contact with floodwaters, practice good hygiene, seek early medical attention for symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, chills and jaundice, and participate in community efforts to reduce rodent populations and improve sanitation.
