Tourists safe despite leptospirosis outbreak, says Tufton

Minister of Health & Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton has sought to assure that the current leptospirosis outbreak poses no great risk to tourists coming to Jamaica.

Tufton said health authorities are managing the outbreak and there is no need to issue an advisory discouraging visitors.

“We have discerned no great risk as it relates to facilities that cater to tourists, including hotels and attractions. There is a certification process that is required for these facilities, and this is done collaboratively with the local health and tourism authorities. We are not giving an advisory to discourage visitors, but to alert the vulnerable communities, which have been identified,” he said.

Tufton was speaking at a press conference held by the health ministry on Thursday.

“We are managing the outbreak, and our discussion is intended to protect Jamaicans and heighten alertness. This can be easily misunderstood as panic; however, we are discouraging that,” said Tufton.

The Minister noted that the Ministry, regional health authorities, and parish health departments will continue to work with all tourism interests to ensure that tourists are safe and can access health services when they visit Jamaica.

He reminded the public that leptospirosis is preventable, treatable, and survivable if detected early and taken seriously.

There has been an increase in cases and deaths of leptospirosis since the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Tufton reiterated his appeal to persons doing clean-up to wear protective gear, avoid flood water, secure food and water supplies, and keep the environment clean.

“It is to be noted that there are no other communicable diseases that are of concern at this time, with dengue and influenza remaining below the threshold and below the normal numbers for this time of year,” he said.

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