Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter
A DOUBLING of suspected cases of leptospirosis between January and June, compared with the corresponding period last year, has triggered alarm bells at the Health Ministry. Two persons have reportedly died.
According to Erica Headman, medical officer of health, records showed that suspected cases have jumped from 45 in 2004 to 87.
Leptospirosis is a contagious disease that is primarily transmitted by rats but affects humans and other animals. Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. This may happen by swallowing contaminated food or water or through skin contact, such as the eye or nose, or through broken skin.
LAB TEST PLANS
Dr. Headman pointed out that the Ministry of Health is to perform laboratory tests to confirm whether the suspected cases are really leptospirosis cases. The ministry is also trying to determine whether the increase in reported cases is a result of an ongoing public education campaign.
But in the meantime, Dr. Headman is urging Jamaicans to play it safe. "Good hygiene is a must," she said.
"If there are rats around, make sure that the area is clean and that food is prepared well," she added.
Last month, the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) warned of a possible outbreak of leptospirosis among dogs in the Corporate Area.
Senior veterinary surgeon Dr. Paul Turner of the JSPCA said on August 18 that over the last six months, there has been a steady four to five weekly cases of canine leptospirosis at the JSPCA clinic in Kingston. This, he said, was up from the one or two cases per year.
The Health Ministry, through Dr. Linnette Peters, director of veterinary public health, later denied the JSPCA's reports, stating that there was no laboratory evidence to support its claim.
Beware the signs.
SYMPTOMS: High fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or a rash.
IF UNTREATED: Kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and respiratory distress, and in rare cases, death.
AVOID IT:
Stay away from stagnant or fresh water, damp soil or vegetation.
Wear protective clothing and footwear.
TREATMENT: Antibiotics are effective, but persons who are severely ill may need intravenous antibiotic treatment.
Source: The Jamaica Information Service, The Ministry of Health and The United States Centers for Disease Control.
