Caribbean News
JAMAICA: Public Health Inspector says Leptospirosis Must be Treated Speedily
#Jamaica, February 26, 2018 – Montego Bay – Chief Public Health Inspector for Westmoreland, Steve Morris, says while leptospirosis is not at a crisis level, every effort should be made to ensure the disease is easily detected and speedily treated. Mr. Morris, who was speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ at the agency’s Montego Bay Regional Office on February 20, said health officials continue to remind the public of the dangers of swimming or wading in water which has resulted from flooding, or eating foods that might have been contaminated with animal urine.
“We are also advising parents to look out for their children who we all know are prone to going into whatever water they see around them, all in the name of fun. Food, too, must be covered and protected from contamination, which again is dangerous for unsuspecting youngsters as well as adults. If you see any food item that looks suspect, throw it away as it could easily be contaminated,” he warned.
Mr. Morris said they have been seeing an increase in the notifications for leptospirosis across the parish. “It is always on our radar, so we are looking at how best we can reach persons to reduce these notifications. Currently, we are looking at education as one of the better means of reaching persons, in addition to implementing a rodent-control programme in the township of Savanna-la-Mar,” he noted.
He emphasised that the rodent control programme has to be a collaborative effort between commercial entities, stakeholders, the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation and other agencies, adding that “the health department cannot, by itself, financially sustain such a programme”.
Mr. Morris said leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that could lead to possible fatal infection of the kidney, liver, brain, lung or heart. He said while it cannot be spread from human to human, it can be contracted through exposure to the urine or body fluid of infected animals.
Meanwhile, Veterinary Public Health Inspector, Jodi-Ann Harris, said that leptospirosis can be fatal if it is incorrectly diagnosed or not detected and treated “very quickly”. Ms. Harris stressed that a big part of the problem is that the symptoms of leptospirosis are similar to other illnesses, notably the flu, and which can oftentimes go untreated. She is appealing to Jamaicans to visit the nearest hospital or health centre and get tested if they experience any such symptoms.
“If you are experiencing high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and rash, go and see the doctor right away,” she implored.
“Parents are also being advised that if any of these symptoms do occur, medical attention should be sought right away. The disease should be treated with antibiotics as soon as it is detected,” Ms. Harris said.
She pointed out that failure to expeditiously treat leptospirosis can result in kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure and respiratory distress. “It can also be fatal,” she added.
Release: JIS
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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