Jamaica health ministry rules out Ebola cases as JIS bulletin highlights dust, storms and community projects

Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness says no Ebola case has been detected locally, while eight people who arrived on different flights are under mandatory self-quarantine because they had travelled to or passed through affected countries. The ministry said they are not showing symptoms and are not suspected cases, but are being monitored daily by health departments as a precaution.

Health officials said the risk to other passengers on the flights is not considered likely. The ministry last week increased surveillance for Jamaicans and visitors who, within the previous 21 days, had been in or transited through countries affected by Ebola, after the World Health Organization declared an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. The public was urged to use official sources and avoid spreading Ebola misinformation.

The ministry also issued advice as Saharan dust affects the island, warning that heavy exposure can worsen asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, respiratory infections and allergies, while also causing eye and skin irritation and affecting water quality. People, especially those vulnerable to respiratory illness, were encouraged to stay indoors where possible, wear masks and long sleeves, protect their eyes, wash hands, avoid touching the eyes, treat harvested water and cover water used at home.

With the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season beginning on June 1, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica cautioned residents not to relax despite a below-average forecast. Climate Services Manager Jacquelyn Spence-Hemmings told a recent National Disaster Risk Management Council meeting that one storm is enough. NOAA projects a 55 per cent chance of a below-normal season, a 35 per cent chance of near-normal activity and a 10 per cent chance of above-normal activity, with eight to 14 named storms, three to six hurricanes and up to three major hurricanes. Spence-Hemmings linked the outlook partly to El Nino, which can alter Atlantic conditions.

In St. James, the Norwood Community Centre has received upgrades and a $4.5-million solar power system through the Jamaica Social Investment Fund. National Security and Peace Minister Dr. Horace Chang, the area MP, said the power supply will allow evening meetings, homework support and other programmes, with plans for steel band and regular band activities to help young people build marketable skills.

The National Council on Drug Abuse warned students at Christiana High School last Thursday about tobacco products and e-cigarettes aimed at youth, during a World No Tobacco Day health fair themed, "Let us unmask the dangers of nicotine and be healthy and stronger tomorrow." Acting Executive Director Paulette Spencer-Smith said nicotine can drive dependency and that packaging, influencers and sponsorships are used to attract young users. The bulletin also reported that the 10 finalists in the Jamaica Festival Song Competition signed contracts with the JCDC ahead of July’s finals, as the contest marks its 60th anniversary.