Cholera outbreak in Cuba

Cholera outbreak in Cuba

Posted date: September 03, 2013



The Ministry of Health and Public Health Officials are urging travelers

to Cuba to take measures to prevent cholera following confirmation of a

renewed outbreak of the disease in Cuba.



As at 23 August 2013,163 cholera cases have been confirmed in the

provinces of Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Camaguey, as well as other

municipalities, where cases were found to be associated with these three

provinces.



The National International Health Regulation (IHR) focal point of Cuba

also noted that, following the outbreak recorded in early 2013, cholera

cases are analysed regularly.



For as long as the cholera outbreak in Cuba continues, Acting Medical

Officer of Health, Dr Samuel Williams, has issued an updated travel

advisory. This states that while there are no travel restrictions to

Cuba, travellers to that country, as well as to Haiti and the Dominican

Republic, which are also affected by outbreaks, are advised to be aware

of the basic cholera facts and to observe basic cholera prevention

recommendations of: frequent hand-washing and using food and water which

are known to be safe (see guidelines below).



Dr Williams also reminds residents that cholera is not present in the

Cayman Islands and there is no threat of its occurrence, as the islands

have modern water and sewage treatment systems.



"Nevertheless we ask anyone who has travelled to Cuba, Haiti and the

Dominican Republic to contact their doctor immediately should they

develop watery diarrhoea and vomiting within five days of leaving. It is

also important to state their travel history to their doctor," he advised.



To ensure readiness the Public Health Department called a multi-agency

preparedness meeting on Thursday, 29 August 2013.



During this meeting, Minister of Health the Hon. Osbourne Bodden said,

"I am impressed by the preparations and applaud Public Health Officials

and healthcare professionals, as well as all other relevant

stakeholders, for their pro-active efforts to detect and manage any

imported cholera cases."



For more information on cholera please call the Public Health Department

on 244-2621.



Tips for Prevention



Travellers to Cuba can greatly reduce the risk of contracting the

disease by following these practices:

• Drink only bottled, boiled or chemically-treated water and/or bottled

or canned beverages.

• Ensure that seals are unbroken when using bottled drinks.

• Disinfect your own water: boil for one minute or filter the water and

add two drops of household bleach or half an iodine tablet per litre of

water.

• Use bottled, boiled or chemically-treated water to wash dishes and

brush teeth.

• Use ice in your drink only if you know it was made from boiled or

treated water.

• Wash your hands often with soap and clean water.

• Clean your hands before you eat or prepare foods, and after using the

bathroom.

• Eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are still hot, or fruit

that you have peeled yourself.

• Cook all vegetables. Do not eat salads or other raw vegetables.

• Do not buy food or beverages from street vendors.



(GIS)



Source: "Cholera outbreak in Cuba - Cayman Net News" -

http://caymannetnews.com/2013/09/03/cholera-outbreak-in-cuba/