Following a period of intense rainfall and subsequent flooding in Westmoreland, Jamaica, local health authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution to avoid contracting leptospirosis. The Westmoreland Public Health Department’s Health Promotion Unit has issued a stern advisory, emphasizing the dangers of wading or traveling through floodwaters, which are considered high-risk environments for the transmission of this bacterial infection. Gerald Miller, the health promotion and education officer for Westmoreland, explained that the leptospira bacteria, which causes leptospirosis, can infiltrate the human body through cuts, abrasions, or broken skin. ‘Floodwaters may contain urine from animals like rats, which can carry the bacteria. Exposure to these waters significantly increases the risk of infection,’ Miller stated. He also highlighted the importance of adults modeling safe behaviors for children, particularly during times of heightened public health risk. Miller urged all family members, including parents and guardians, to educate children about the dangers of walking through puddles or floodwaters. Additionally, he stressed the microscopic and invisible nature of the leptospira bacteria, making it impossible to detect with the naked eye. Miller warned that careless exposure to floodwaters could lead to preventable health complications, further burdening local healthcare facilities. Residents who have been in contact with floodwaters and are experiencing symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, or joint pain are strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention. Miller also emphasized the importance of informing healthcare providers about any exposure to floodwaters to ensure accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. ‘The message is clear: avoid wading through floodwaters, remain vigilant, especially with children, and seek medical care if symptoms arise after exposure,’ he concluded.