Falmouth Set to Host Chinese Hospital Ship
A major medical vessel from China, the Silk Road Ark, is scheduled to anchor on Jamaica’s north coast this weekend as the country continues to grapple with severe pressure on its health services following Category Five Hurricane Melissa.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton revealed at a Thursday briefing that the ship—staffed with 104 medical workers, including 60 doctors, 32 nurses, as well as pharmacists and technicians—entered Jamaican waters near the Pedro Cays on 22 November and will be positioned at the Historic Falmouth Pier.
National epidemiologist Dr Karen Webster Kerr confirmed an increase in Jamaica’s leptospirosis death count, which has risen to 14, up from 11 suspected cases reported the previous week.
As of November 26, Jamaica has logged 90 leptospirosis infections, with 51 occurring before Hurricane Melissa and 39 detected after its passage.
All recorded deaths have been among males.
St James is currently the parish with the highest number of leptospirosis cases, standing at 14.
Regarding dengue, recent activity remains minimal, with 39 fever samples collected between 8 and 18 November all testing negative.
Gastroenteritis levels continue to fall within normal patterns for every parish, staying below outbreak thresholds.
A separate spike in childhood accidents has been identified by Dr Webster Kerr, noting that Westmoreland and Kingston & St Andrew have reached epidemic levels in children under five.
For those older than five, Westmoreland has moved into the epidemic category, while Kingston & St Andrew has shifted into alert status.
The deployment of the Silk Road Ark is expected to add significant medical support as Jamaica responds to the hurricane’s aftermath and current public health challenges.
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