分类： health

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has issued a stern warning to the public regarding food safety. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Dr. Tufton emphasized the heightened risks of food contamination and foodborne illnesses due to widespread power outages across the island. He stressed that the lack of refrigeration in affected areas could lead to the spoilage of meat and other perishable items, while rodents and insects could further exacerbate the problem by spreading diseases. To mitigate these risks, approximately 400 environmental health officers will be deployed starting Monday to inspect food establishments and ensure consumer safety. Dr. Tufton urged residents to discard spoiled or flood-exposed food items and report such cases to local public health departments or police stations. He also highlighted the importance of monitoring water quality and sanitation, as contaminated water and improper waste disposal could lead to additional health hazards. The minister warned of increased risks of diseases like leptospirosis and gastroenteritis, which tend to rise after heavy rainfall and flooding. Public health inspectors will conduct sanitation assessments in shelters and affected communities, while vector control efforts will be intensified to combat the expected surge in mosquito, fly, and rodent populations. Dr. Tufton called on the public to use mosquito repellent, cover water containers, and dispose of waste properly to prevent stagnant water from becoming breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has announced a coordinated effort involving environmental health teams, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and other agencies to address critical issues in remote communities. Reports of deceased individuals and animals stranded in isolated areas have prompted urgent action. Dr. Tufton emphasized that while access to some regions remains challenging due to damaged roadways, progress is being made. ‘With improved communication, cleared roads, and enhanced mobility, we are now able to target specific areas and collaborate with authorities to secure others,’ he stated during a press briefing on Saturday. The minister highlighted the challenges of reaching marooned bodies and ensuring proper disposal of animal carcasses, noting that the JDF is providing air support to access affected zones. Additionally, Dr. Tufton mentioned that injured individuals, such as a man who suffered a broken leg and waited three days for medical attention, are being assisted. While official death toll figures are pending, the current count stands at 19, with updates expected from the Minister of Information, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, once police reports are finalized.

In a remarkable display of regional solidarity, the Cayman Islands Blood Bank has dispatched a vital shipment of 51 units of red cells and 72 units of plasma to Jamaica’s National Blood Transfusion Service. This donation, facilitated by the Health Services Authority (HSA), marks the first of several planned contributions to aid Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The initiative was spurred by an overwhelming public response, with 65 donors—including 13 first-time contributors—stepping forward to meet an urgent call for blood. This surge in donations far exceeds the usual daily average of fewer than 10 units, highlighting the community’s generosity. Dr. Lundie Richards, a consultant haematologist-oncologist at the HSA, praised the effort, describing it as a testament to humanity’s capacity for compassion. The HSA emphasized that this donation is part of a broader strategy to enhance regional health collaboration and emergency preparedness. Lizzette Yearwood, CEO of the HSA, lauded the initiative as lifesaving and urged continued donor participation, noting that blood has a limited shelf life of 35 days. Cayman Islands Health Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks also commended the donors, encouraging eligible individuals to contribute to both regional and local blood supplies. The Cayman Islands Blood Bank, which offers comprehensive blood-banking services, has also expanded its platelet availability and transfusion-medicine capabilities. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has called for public blood donations as soon as conditions permit, following disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.

In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on St Elizabeth, Jamaica, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton has announced the deployment of a field hospital to Black River within 24 hours. The initiative aims to restore critical health services disrupted by the hurricane. The field hospital, equipped with an operating theatre, diagnostic tools, and medical staff, will be set up by the non-governmental organization Samaritan’s Purse in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and other government agencies. Dr. Tufton emphasized that the facility will provide immediate support while assessments of the damaged Black River Hospital are conducted. Additionally, another field hospital is expected from Spain, with ongoing discussions to establish more facilities in Trelawny and Westmoreland through partnerships with Canada and India. The minister highlighted the need for psychological support for traumatized health workers and called for increased blood donations to address the surge in trauma and emergency cases. Over 200 health workers will also participate in a nationwide clean-up effort to assist hospitals in the most affected areas. Restoration of primary health facilities across the island is anticipated within the next week.