Archive · 22 Nov 2025
Jamaica Battles Leptospirosis Outbreak Post-Hurricane Melissa
After Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica is fighting a bacterial disease called leptospirosis.
This disease is spread through contaminated water and soil, and can be very serious.
The hurricane caused a lot of flooding, which has made it easier for the disease to spread.
The health minister is warning people who might come into contact with floodwaters to be careful.
Hurricane Melissa caused catastrophic flooding and landslides in Jamaica
Leptospirosis outbreak declared, with 9 confirmed cases and 28 suspected
Disease spread through contaminated water and soil, potentially fatal
Health minister warns those in contact with floodwaters at risk
Hurricane Melissa caused $10 billion in damages
- Who
- Jamaican residents, especially those in contact with floodwaters
- What
- Leptospirosis outbreak
- When
- Following Hurricane Melissa in late October
- Where
- Jamaica
- Why
- Hurricane Melissa caused flooding and contaminated water, creating ideal conditions for the disease to spread
- Disease
- Leptospirosis
- Transmission
- Contaminated water or soil
- Symptoms
- Fever, headache, muscle aches (can progress to severe form)
- Confirmed Cases
- 9
- Suspected Cases
- 28
- Deaths
- 6 suspected
- Hurricane
- Melissa (Category 5)
