Jamaica reports deadly leptospirosis outbreak after Hurricane Melissa


FILE PHOTO: People inspect the damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, Jamaica, November 5, 2025. REUTERS/Raquel Cunha/File Photo

KINGSTON -Jamaica has declared an outbreak of the bacterial disease leptospirosis, suspected of causing six deaths, following the devastation from Hurricane Melissa in late October.

The Category 5 hurricane slammed into the Caribbean island on October 28, causing catastrophic flooding and landslides with some 30 inches (76 cm) of rain. The resulting stagnant, contaminated water has created a breeding ground for the disease, officials said.

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