Five cases of leptospirosis recorded in Clarendon, two die

The parish of Clarendon has recorded five cases of leptospirosis, resulting in two deaths in one month.

Medical officer of health for the parish, Dr Kimberly Scarlett Campbell, made the disclosure while addressing the monthly meeting of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation yesterday.

Scarlett Campbell said the infections were recorded in communities which have been highlighted as having garbage disposal and collection problem.

The medical officer urged the corporation to address the solid waste management problem in the communities of Redlands and Chapelton, as she warned that there could be more leptospirosis cases.

She also reminded the public not to swim or wade through untreated water.

In the meantime, Scarlett Campbell reported that there has been a rise in cases of conjunctivitis or pink eye, especially in the May Pen and Chapelton areas.

The health official said public health nurses and inspectors were dispatched to schools in those areas to carry out assessments.

Clarendon was one of the parishes worst affected by flooding caused by torrential rains in April and May.