Leptospirosis deaths CLIMB to 14
Chinese hospital ship to dock in Falmouth this weekend
Published:Friday | November 28, 2025 | 12:09 AM
A Chinese hospital ship carrying medical personnel is expected to dock on Jamaica’s north coast this weekend to support the country’s strained health sector following the severe damage caused by Category Five Hurricane Melissa.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton announced at a Thursday press briefing that the ship, the Silk Road Ark, arrived in Jamaica’s territorial waters at the Pedro Cays on November 22 and will be stationed at the Historic Falmouth pier this weekend.
The vessel carries 104 medical professionals, including 60 doctors, 32 nurses, as well as pharmacists and technicians.
“That’s another big boost to healthcare capacity,” Tufton said. “The Office of the Chief Medical Officer is working with them and the team on the ground to find the most efficient approach to treating with patients.”
ALL FATALITIES MALE
Meanwhile, national epidemiologist Dr Karen Webster Kerr reported that Jamaica’s leptospirosis death toll has risen to 14, up from 11 suspected cases last week.
She said the ministry has also confirmed 11 new cases based on positive PCR results, while seven previously suspected cases were ruled out after negative tests.
She reported that as at November 26, the country had 90 cases of leptospirosis, 51 pre-Melissa and 39 following the passage of the hurricane.
Webster Kerr said the deaths resulting from leptospirosis are all males.
In terms of leptospirosis cases, St James leads with 14, followed by St Ann with eight, and St Elizabeth with four cases.
The national epidemiologist also reported low activity for dengue, pointing out that 39 results for the fever all came back negative for the period November 8 to 18.
For gastroenteritis, Webster Kerr said data from all parishes show that the viral infection is at a normal range, meaning that it is below alert and epidemic thresholds.
The epidemiologist also highlighted significant increases in accidents among children both under five years and older.
“For under five, Westmoreland and Kingston and St Andrew (KSA) are at epidemic levels. For over five, Westmoreland is at epidemic level and KSA at alert level,” she noted.