Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

The St. Mary Health Department is investigating eight suspected cases of leptospirosis in the parish following the death of one man and the hospitalisation of several others.

According to a health official who requested anonymity, the cases have been clinically diagnosed in the interim as persons have been displaying symptoms of leptospirosis.

Symptoms

However, the health worker told The Gleaner yesterday that the test would have to confirm this as some of these symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, nausea and vomiting could also be related to malaria or dengue fever.

"We are not able to say definitively, but what will lead us to say that (it is leptospirosis) is because these persons are farmers and (some) are involved in the fishing industry," the health official said.

The health worker was, however, unable to say how soon the results of the tests would be ready. The autopsy of the man who died is expected to be ready this week.

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.

Last year, there was an outbreak of leptospirosis, which led to the death of approximately 53 persons and the hospi-talisation of many. Some 335 persons tested positive for the disease and the parish of Clarendon was widely affected.

The health official said the suspected cases of leptospirosis could be linked to the flooding in the area last month. Among the affected communities are Port Maria, Islington and Oracabessa.

Awaiting report

Contacted yesterday, Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester, acting chief medical officer in the Ministry of Health, said she learned of the suspected cases yesterday and was awaiting a copy of the report from the St. Mary Health Department.

She noted that the ministry had put on a major education programme informing persons about leptospirosis and what to do if flooding occurs, but that seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

"We have to make sure that we keep our environment clean so we do not harbour rats and other vector," said Dr. Campbell-Forrester.