Leptospirosis related deaths increase to 7

The number of leptospirosis related deaths has increased.

The Health Ministry says there have been 12 deaths, 7 of which have been confirmed as leptospirosis-related.

In a statement this morning, the health ministry says the country now has on record, 71 suspected, probable or confirmed cases of leptospirosis after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Of that number, 26 are confirmed cases.

The ministry says its continuing its management of the disease, across the island and is giving special attention to St. James with 15 cases, St. Ann with 12 and St. Elizabeth 8.

Those parishes have the highest number of suspected, probable or confirmed cases.

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

The advisory is to wear protective gear during clean-up; avoid floodwater; secure food and water supplies and keep the environment clean.