Leptospirosis Outbreak Hits Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa, Cases Rise Sharply

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane that struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025.

It was the strongest storm ever to hit the island, causing flash floods and landslides across the region.

Extreme rainfall reached approximately 76 cm (30 inches), causing US$10 billion in infrastructure damage and destroying nearly 200,000 buildings.

Furthermore, Hurricane Melissa claimed 54 lives in Jamaica and 43 in Haiti.

The post-hurricane conditions, with stagnant and contaminated water everywhere, created an ideal environment for the Leptospira interrogans bacteria to thrive.

Water contaminated with the urine of infected rodents and livestock became the primary vehicle for the transmission of leptospirosis to humans.

From October 30 to November 20, 2025, nine cases of leptospirosis were confirmed in Jamaica, with an additional 28 suspected cases.

This 37 cases represents a significant increase compared to the average of 2 to 21 cases recorded over the previous 34 months.

Six deaths are also suspected to be related to this outbreak, as reported by Reuters.

These cases are spread across eight parishes, including St. Ann, St. Mary, St. James, Hanover, Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, St. Catherine, and Trelawny. St. James Parish was the most affected with 17 cases and 2 deaths.

This disease is caused by the bacteria Leptospira interrogans and is transmitted through direct contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, such as rats, cats, dogs, and livestock.

The bacteria can enter through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Early symptoms of leptospirosis are often flu-like, including fever, headache, and muscle aches, making them difficult to distinguish.

However, without prompt medical attention, the disease can progress to severe conditions such as kidney failure, liver damage, meningitis, and potentially fatal internal bleeding.

High-risk populations include farmers, cleanup crews, emergency responders, and anyone who comes into contact with floodwater.

In response to this leptospirosis outbreak, Jamaica's Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, officially declared an outbreak.

This declaration allows for a more rapid and coordinated public health response, including the deployment of additional staff, diagnostic supplies, and emergency funding.

The use of personal protective equipment when cleaning flood-affected areas, avoiding direct contact with floodwater, and maintaining environmental hygiene and rodent control are also strongly emphasized.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness actively promotes safe water and food practices to help the public maintain their health.

International support has also poured in, with the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocating US$4 million for humanitarian operations.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) also submitted a health sector proposal, while Project HOPE reported widespread humanitarian needs in the region.

According to Jamaican officials, Hurricane Melissa left an estimated $10 billion in damage, crippling the country's key tourism and agriculture sectors and damaging nearly 200,000 buildings.