The opposition People’s National Party, (PNP) is urging the government to prepare the nation’s health facilities so that healthcare workers will be better able to identify and treat leprosy cases, should the disease be detected in the country.

This, as cases of the chronic infectious disease have already been confirmed in Barbados, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.

Speaking with reporters on Monday, Junior Opposition Spokesperson on Health and Wellness, Jessie James Clarke, said the government must make every effort to prepare the health sector and to educate Jamaicans, so they too can protect themselves.

He said while the situation demands vigilance, there is no need for Jamaicans to be alarmed.