Another JDF recruit released from hospital; illness yet to be identified

The Ministry of Health says a fourth Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) recruit who was admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies has been released after becoming ill while on training last month.
    
The recruit was among 81 JDF recruits who were stricken with a mysterious illness at the JDF camp at Twickenham Park.

Three others were released last month.
    
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Winston De La Haye says the only recruit remaining in hospital in Jamaica is recovering steadily. Similarly, he said the recruit who was airlifted to a Florida-based hospital for treatment has been improving daily.
    
He said no new cases of the illness have reported. 

Illness not identified
    
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health said samples tested so far have not identified the cause of the illness.
    
The ministry has been collaborating with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) as well as the U.S. Centre for Disease Control.
    
Dr. De La Haye said they are conducting a panel of tests and have so far ruled out the illness being an Influenza virus.

According to him, the authorities have now begun to look for antibodies which will help identify whether the illness is caused by a pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria.