Stephanie Elliot and Robert Lalah, Gleaner Writers
DAWES
A LEPTOSPIROSIS outbreak in Clarendon has led to the deaths of four persons and the hospitalisation of seven others.
Clarendon health officials are predicting the number of persons infected with the disease could exceed 30.
Chief medical officer for Clarendon, Dr. Sonia Copeland, said the Clarendon Health Department has been on high alert after reports of suspected leptospirosis cases increased threefold in just over a week.
Dr. Copeland said there was a rise in rodent infestation in residential communities after heavy rains flooded several communities a few weeks ago. She said health officers were now doing work in the field to determine the extent of the rat infestation.
Dr. Copeland added that there has also been an increase in fly and mosquito infestation since the rains. According to her, the department is working feverishly to address the problem.
Dr. Winston Dawes, senior medical officer at the May Pen Hospital, said he was concerned that persons with symptoms of leptospirosis were waiting far too long before seeking medical attention. He confirmed that, since Tuesday, 11 persons were admitted to hospital with symptoms of the disease. Three of those persons later died while another died in Chapelton. He said the Chapelton patient died within minutes of seeking medical attention.
FOOD STORAGE
Both doctors warned that residents need to pay keen attention to garbage disposal and food storage.
Vernal Webster, of the Clarendon Health Department, said several areas have been placed on high alert because of the leptospirosis outbreak. He said that particular emphasis was being placed on markets and restaurants. He, too, urged residents to ensure that food storage areas remain rodent-free.
Reports of leptospirosis in Clarendon have
surfaced from areas such as Rock River, Brandon Hill, Mocho and May Pen.
