Ethiopia has officially declared an outbreak of the highly lethal Marburg virus in its southern region, as confirmed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Saturday. The virus, known for its severe hemorrhagic symptoms akin to Ebola, has already been detected in at least nine cases. The National Reference Laboratory in Ethiopia has verified the presence of the virus, with ongoing epidemiological investigations revealing similarities to strains previously identified in East Africa. The Marburg virus, transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, boasts a fatality rate ranging from 25% to 80%. It causes symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe bleeding, with an incubation period of up to 21 days. Ethiopian health authorities have swiftly mobilized to contain the outbreak in the Jinka area, collaborating with Africa CDC to mitigate the risk of further spread across East Africa. This development follows recent outbreaks in Tanzania and Rwanda, where the virus claimed 10 and 15 lives, respectively. While no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment exists, supportive care, including rehydration and symptom management, can improve survival rates. Notably, Rwanda recently trialed an experimental vaccine developed by the US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute.
标签： Jamaica
牙买加
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Claiming system vs handicap system: Which is better for Jamaica’s horse racing?
The horse racing industry has long relied on classification systems to ensure fair competition and drive profitable wagering. However, the claiming system, a method that categorizes horses into over 20 artificial groups based on factors like age, sex, and earnings rather than genetic ability, has proven to be a significant failure. Unlike the handicap system, which assigns weights to horses based on past performances to equalize their chances, the claiming system lacks the ability to balance form and ability effectively. This has led to a decline in competitive wagering, as superior horses often dominate races, leaving little room for unpredictability.
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ISSA sets netball deadline for resumption
Schools in Jamaica have until 2:00 PM on Friday to confirm their participation in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Rural Area schoolgirls’ netball competition, which was disrupted by Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane, which struck on October 28, led to the suspension of various sports, including netball, football, and basketball. Despite efforts to restart the netball competition, 38 out of 57 participating schools had not confirmed their willingness to resume by Thursday afternoon. ISSA, the governing body for high school sports, issued a memo on Thursday listing schools from at least seven parishes that had yet to respond. Notably, most of the unresponsive schools are from western Jamaica, an area severely impacted by the hurricane. In contrast, the schoolboys’ football competitions, the daCosta Cup and Manning Cup, are set to resume later this month after consultations with stakeholders. These football competitions, which began in early September, had progressed to the round of 16, with participating schools expressing readiness to continue. The netball competition, divided into under-16 and under-19 age groups, faces uncertainty as schools from parishes such as St James, Hanover, Trelawny, St Elizabeth, Manchester, St Ann, St Mary, St Catherine, and Portland remain undecided.
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Health ministry to look at alternate strategies for primary healthcare in St James
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has announced a series of emergency measures to address the disruption of primary healthcare services in St. James. During a press briefing in Montego Bay, Dr. Tufton revealed that only eight or nine of the parish’s 24 health centers are fully operational, with the remainder sustaining varying degrees of damage. To bridge the gap, the Ministry has deployed mobile pharmacies and clinics to affected communities while constructing temporary facilities. Additionally, efforts are underway to restore Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit, which is now operational despite lingering challenges. Dr. Tufton emphasized the urgent need to focus on primary healthcare, particularly in mitigating post-storm environmental risks such as mosquito-borne diseases, rodent infestations, and water and food contamination. The Minister has been actively engaging with vector control workers and public health officers across the region to assess resources, including fogging machines and vehicles, and to ensure readiness for deployment. Dr. Tufton also urged residents to take personal precautions, such as consuming safe water, using repellents, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites, to safeguard their health during this critical period.
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Nunes’ strong hand: Fearless Force and Linguist lead pack in St Elizabeth Distaff
Trainer Anthony ‘Baba’ Nunes is emerging as a formidable force in the upcoming $1.5-million St Elizabeth Distaff, scheduled for Sunday. With his top two runners, Fearless Force and Linguist, Nunes has a strong chance to clinch the Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-old fillies and mares over one mile (1,600m). Here’s an analysis of the runners and their prospects:
1. **Pretty Perfect**: The Winston ‘Fanna’ Griffiths Classic winner faces a daunting challenge against a highly competitive field, making her likely to be outclassed.
2. **Burning Hedge**: This year’s 1000 Guineas champion has shown remarkable consistency but will face stiff competition from Fearless Force and stablemate Linguist.
3. **Sistren Treasure (USA)**: Struggling in recent performances, this filly is unlikely to make a significant impact in this race.
4. **Immeasurable Joy**: Given the strength of the competition, this contender has little chance of securing a win.
5. **Main Mistress (USA)**: A recent winner on October 25, she is expected to perform well but is unlikely to take the top spot.
6. **Fearless Force (USA)**: Unbeatable on paper, Fearless Force has trained exceptionally well and is stepping down in class, making her the top contender to lead the pack and claim the trophy.
7. **Linguist**: The Jamaica Oaks winner has excelled in her two starts at this level and could challenge Fearless Force for top honors, positioning her as a strong contender for an upset.
— Ruddy Allen
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WATCH: Stranded in Wakefield
Residents of Wakefield district in Trelawny, Jamaica, are facing severe isolation and hardship after heavy rains exacerbated the flooding caused by Hurricane Melissa. The community, already grappling with the aftermath of the hurricane, now finds itself nearly cut off from the outside world. Three main entrances are impassable for most vehicles, leaving residents reliant on large vans that charge exorbitant fees for transportation. Sharon Morris, a local resident, lamented the dire situation, stating that food supplies are scarce and shared among neighbors. Fayon Ellis, another resident, described how the flooding has trapped them, making it impossible to travel to nearby towns like Falmouth or Montego Bay. The Observer team, which visited the area, had to navigate makeshift routes to access the community, encountering significant flooding along the way. Leonie Clarke and her son Rodwayne highlighted the longstanding drainage issues that have worsened the flooding, with water unable to escape due to poorly designed infrastructure. While some residents use a makeshift bridge to move within the community, the roads ahead remain blocked. Rodwayne emphasized that the problem could be resolved with proper drainage work before the next rainy season. The lack of clean water has become a pressing concern, with residents fearing the health risks posed by contaminated water and the inability to access medical help in emergencies. Mae Allen expressed her desperation, suggesting that only a helicopter could rescue them. Despite relief efforts by organizations like World Central Kitchen and The Jamaica Guangdomg Association, essential supplies had not reached Wakefield by the time the Observer team departed.
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Custos of Clarendon hands over prefabricated houses to two families in St Elizabeth
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, two families in St Elizabeth have been provided with new homes through the efforts of Custos of Clarendon, Edith Chin. The initiative, part of the Hurricane Melissa Relief Mission, saw the distribution of two prefabricated houses and essential supplies to Ashella Baker and Alludia Brown, both mothers whose homes were destroyed by the storm. The relief effort also included care packages for numerous other affected residents during a distribution event on November 13. Ashella Baker, a mother of six from Middle Quarters, expressed her gratitude, describing the arrival of the new home as a ‘miracle.’ Alludia Brown, a mother of two from Parottee, shared her relief and excitement at having a secure place for her family. The mission received support from Juici Patties, the Clarendon police, Clarendon Justices of the Peace, and other partners. Custos Chin emphasized the ongoing need for assistance, stating that two more houses will be gifted to families in need. Superintendent Coleridge Minto of the St Elizabeth Police Division praised the initiative, highlighting the comprehensive support provided, including water trucks, meals, and care packages. Senior Superintendent Shane McCalla of the Clarendon Police Division commended the collaborative effort and expressed hope for continued stakeholder involvement in the recovery process.
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Foster returns home, set for busy weekend at Caymanas Park
Jamaican jockey Tevin Foster is making a triumphant return to his home turf, igniting excitement among racing enthusiasts. After a stellar debut season in Canada, where he secured 14 wins, 23 second-place finishes, and 29 third-place finishes from 173 mounts, amassing earnings of CAN$252,194, Foster is poised to dominate the tracks this weekend with 10 scheduled rides. His packed agenda begins on Saturday, where he’ll partner with Cassini for trainer Adrian Prince in the opening race, followed by Dancing Aviator for Jason DaCosta in the third. The action continues with Green Gold Rush for Ryan Darby in the sixth, J Spieth for DaCosta in the eighth, and concludes with Provident for DaCosta in the final event. Sunday’s lineup is equally thrilling, with Foster aboard Princess Fiannie for Omar Williams in the first race, Money Monster for Adrian Prince in the fourth, and the highly anticipated St Elizabeth Distaff, where he’ll ride Fearless Force for Anthony Nunes. The Port Royal Sprint will see him team up with Is That A Fact for DaCosta, and he’ll wrap up the weekend with Girvano for DaCosta in the Jamaica Cup. Foster’s return is particularly poignant as Jamaica continues to recover from the devastation wrought by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28. All eyes will be on Foster as he aims to deliver a stellar performance on home soil.
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ISSA announces resumption of high school competitions
The Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) has officially announced the resumption of inter-school sports competitions, starting the week of November 24, 2025. This decision comes after extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including participating schools, sponsors, match officials, and ISSA’s general membership. Despite the significant impact of Hurricane Melissa on several member schools, there was a strong consensus among stakeholders to resume the competitions. The Manning and DaCosta Cups will kick off at the round of 16 stage on November 28 and 29, 2025. However, junior football competitions have been postponed until the start of the Easter Term in January 2026. ISSA emphasized its commitment to leveraging these competitions as a means to support students in recovering from the physical and psychological effects of the hurricane. The association also plans to engage stakeholders in post-hurricane relief efforts through its competition activities. A detailed revised schedule for Netball (U19/U16), Basketball (U19/U16), and the Manning/DaCosta Cups will be released by November 20, 2025.
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Market Bag: Sweet pepper up to $1,500 as vendors predict more price spikes
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has dealt a severe blow to Jamaica’s agriculture sector, leading to a sharp rise in food prices. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green disclosed on Tuesday that the hurricane caused staggering losses amounting to $29.5 billion, significantly impacting the nation’s food supply chain. This week, the Coronation Market in downtown Kingston witnessed heightened frustrations among buyers as prices for essential produce surged. Sweet and hot peppers are now priced at $1,500 per pound, while escallion ranges between $1,000 and $1,500 per pound. Thyme is being sold for $1,200 per pound, and tomatoes cost between $400 and $500 per pound. Vendors warn that prices are likely to escalate further as the Christmas season approaches, compounding the challenges faced by consumers.