Authorities assessing whether illness affecting JDF soldiers is more widespread

The Epidemiology Unit in the Ministry of Health is assessing whether what is believed to be bacteria affecting more than 80 Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) recruits is confined to that population or is more widespread across the country.

"We collect data from across the country and we would certainly want to know whether this is elsewhere or it is confined to the recruits and the persons who come into contact with them," Dr. Christopher Tufton outlined Tuesday on RJR's Beyond the Headlines.

The Health Minister said he made the request to rule out the possibility of the illness being more extensive and expects to get results as soon as Thursday.