St. Catherine records 11 leptospirosis cases, two deaths

 

The St. Catherine Health Department has confirmed that 11 males and one female have been infected with leptospirosis in the parish since November. 

 

Health officials report that two of the male patients have died from the bacterial infection. 

 

According to the department, 10 of the cases originated in the Linstead zone while the remaining two were from the Spanish Town zone. 

 

The update was presented during the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation meeting on Thursday. 

 

Residents are being urged to take precautionary measures, especially in areas prone to flooding or where rodent infestation is common.

 

"To lower one's risk of getting leptospirosis, we should avoid contact with stagnant water, avoid swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine, especially after hurricanes and heavy rainfall. It's important that we practice hand washing after handling animals, to cover cuts or scratches with waterproof bandages, wear protective clothing, waterproof shoes, boots, clothing near flooded water or water or soil, such as when you're gardening or farming," advised Denece Douglas, Deputy Public Health Inspector for St. Catherine. 

 

"Throw out fruits, vegetables or any food that has been bitten by rodents. Protect all foods and utensils from rats. And importantly keep your surroundings free from garbage because we know that the garbage generally serves as a source of harbourage for these rodents," she added.

 

Ms. Douglas also urged residents to boil any water taken from rivers or collected from roofs before using it to wash hands and vegetables.

 

Residents are advised to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms, such as fever, headache, chills, vomiting or nausea, body or muscle ache, yellow skin, red eyes, stomach pain and diarrhoea.