Cuba travel warning still in place

Cuba travel warning still in place
07 August, 2012

Health officials in Cayman are warning people to take precautions if
they travel to Cuba due to the ongoing outbreak of cholera.

According to the latest report from the Pan American Health
Organisation, three people have died from cholera in Cuba and the number
of confirmed cases has reached 236, as of 29 July, in the Manzanillo
province of Granma.

"There are no travel restrictions. If you have to go, take vital
precautions such as ensuring hygienic food preparation, boiling or
purifying all water, and washing hands often with soap and clean water.
Travellers should also carry an ample supply of oral rehydration salts,"
Cayman's Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kiran Kumar said.

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by ingesting
contaminated food or water with cholera bacterium. It can take between
five hours to five days for symptoms to appear after infection, but
usually symptoms appear within 24-48 hours. Cholera infection is often
mild or without symptoms but can sometimes be severe.

Travellers to Cuba are advised to contact their doctor immediately if
they develop watery diarrhoea and vomiting within five days of leaving.
It is also important to state their travel history to their doctor. This
advisory is applicable to travellers to Haiti and Dominican Republic,
the two other countries in the region affected by cholera.

"Cholera is not present in the Cayman Islands and the chances of
importation of cholera into Cayman are limited and even if it occurs,
our excellent sanitation and safe water will prevent its spread. In
addition, we have adequate facilities and drugs to manage any case
should importation occur," Dr. Kumar said.

For more information on cholera, call the Public Health Department on
244-2621.

http://www.compasscayman.com/caycompass/2012/08/07/Cuba-travel-warning-still-in-place/