NEW DELHI, 3 December 2025: Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton has moved to assure tourists visiting Jamaica that they are not at risk despite the current leptospirosis outbreak. Tufton emphasised that while health authorities continue to manage the outbreak, assessments show no significant threat to visitors, including those staying at hotels or visiting certified attractions.
“We have discerned no great risk in terms of the facilities that cater to tourists, whether it’s the hotels, which themselves are doing some rehabilitation as we speak because of the impact of the hurricane as well as the certified attractions that cater to tours. We work closely with those entities too,” Tufton said.
He further noted that the government maintains strict oversight of tourism-related establishments, supported by established public-health protocols.
“There is a certification process that is required and that is given in conjunction with [the] health [ministry] and so we are not giving an advisory to discourage tourism or visitors. We are just placing all on alert and are particularly focused on the vulnerable communities,” Tufton added.
According to the minister, the Ministry, Regional Health Authorities and parish health departments will continue close collaboration with tourism stakeholders to ensure that visitors remain safe and have access to medical services throughout their stay.
The public is reminded that leptospirosis is preventable, treatable and survivable when detected early. Jamaicans are urged to wear protective gear during clean-up efforts, avoid floodwater, secure food and water supplies and maintain clean surroundings.
Tufton also confirmed that no other communicable diseases are currently of concern, adding, “It is to be noted that there are no other communicable diseases that are of concern at this time, with dengue and influenza remaining below the threshold and below the normal numbers for this time of year.”
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About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica's national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, New Delhi, Tokyo and Paris.
Jamaica is home to some of the world's best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared 'World's Leading Cruise Destination' and 'World's Leading Family Destination' for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the 'Caribbean's Leading Tourist Board' for the 17th consecutive year.
Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for 'Best Travel Agent Academy Program' and silver for 'Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean' and 'Best Tourism Board – Caribbean'. The destination also received bronze recognition for 'Best Destination – Caribbean', 'Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean', and 'Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean'. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for 'International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support' for a record-setting 12th time.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB's Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/
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