Hurricane Melissa death toll still at 45 as 32 more deaths under probe

 

The number of confirmed deaths following the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica remains at 45. 

 

At the same time, 32 other deaths are under investigation. 

 

The number of people missing since the hurricane passed over the island in October has reduced to 13. 

 

Commander Alvin Gayle, Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), says 101 emergency shelters remain open across seven parishes, housing 1,061 people.

 

In the meantime, he says confirmed and suspected cases of leptospirosis have increased, while the number of deaths remain unchanged.

 

"In the aftermath of the storm, we have also seen 84 suspected and 30 confirmed cases of leptospirosis, with 12 related deaths, seven of which have been confirmed, as well as two cases of tetanus and one death. These figures underscore the scale of the human impact and the seriousness with which the Ministry's departments and agencies of government continue to approach the recovery effort," he reported.  

 

Commander Gayle was speaking at Wednesday's post-cabinet press briefing.