St. Ann seek funds to tackle Leptospirosis outbreak

The St. Ann Health Department is seeking financial help from the parish Council to control the spread of leptospirosis.



Chief public health inspector for St. Ann, Granville McKenzie said there have been three reported cases of the disease in the parish since January.



He said the cases were reported in the communities of Walkerswood, Moneague and Muir House-Buxton.



McKenzie said the health department also received reports of rodent infestation in some sections of the parish, which could contribute to an increased number of cases of the disease, which is spread by rats.



He said the health department prepared a budget of just under 200, 000 to carry out a rodent eradication drive.



Among the communities targeted are Moneague, Golden Grove and St. Ann’s Bay where the rodent population is said to be on the increase.