Health officials in St. Mary have reported that seven of the eight persons who were suspected of having leptospirosis have been released from hospital.

A medical doctor who spoke with The Gleaner/Power 106 News said the health department was awaiting the results of samples sent for testing a week ago.

Representatives from the parish's public health department say they have been conducting education campaigns to inform persons about leptospirosis.

Meanwhile, the result of an autopsy on the body of a man who was suspected of having the disease has proven negative.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which affects humans and animals and is caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats.