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An outbreak of hepatitis is affecting the Frontier Brigade in Guantánamo, specifically in the Eastern Battalion, where most of the soldiers are newly recruited teenagers, according to reports that highlight the seriousness of a situation that military authorities are trying to silence.
According to a publication by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, through his Facebook page, the families of the young people are seeking answers regarding the health status of their children, but they receive only evasive responses and reassuring messages from military leaders, while in practice, the spread of the illness continues unchecked.
The recruits' own communications with their parents contradict the official version and show that the outbreak is spreading within the unit, with no effective protocols in place to prevent further infections.
The case highlights the fragility of sanitary conditions in military detachments and the opacity with which the authorities manage emergencies that endanger dozens of adolescents sent for mandatory service.
The lack of official information exacerbates the uncertainty for families, who remain in suspense while their children fall ill in facilities where secrecy prevails.
The health of young soldiers hangs by a thread in the face of an outbreak that the regime refuses to acknowledge publicly.
The Ministry of Public Health (Minsap) confirmed on August 27 that there has been a "slight increase" in the number of hepatitis A cases in the country.
Hepatitis A is an acute viral disease that affects the liver, primarily transmitted through the ingestion of water or food contaminated with the feces of infected individuals. Its spread is facilitated in conditions of poor hygiene and in areas with issues in the supply and treatment of drinking water.
“Whenever possible, water should be boiled and chlorine tablets should also be added, which are sometimes sold in pharmacies in our country. You add them and take the water there, and wash the vegetables thoroughly with chlorinated water,” recommended Francisco Durán, national director of Hygiene and Epidemiology at Minsap.
By the way, the United States Embassy in Havana issued a new
The U.S. authorities recommended that travelers consult with their doctor about the hepatitis A vaccine before visiting the island, in addition to taking extra hygiene precautions during their stay.
This new alert adds to other recent health warnings issued by Washington in relation to outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya, and oropouche in Cuba, reflecting growing concern over the deterioration of sanitary conditions on the island.
But the expansion of garbage dumps, foul odors, and the proliferation of vectors have become a common sight in other cities and towns in Cuba. This situation is exacerbated by the persistent water supply issues and ineffective garbage collection.
The accumulation of waste raises the anger of residents who report unsanitary conditions and government inaction, while living among flies, foul odors, and the fear of diseases.
At the end of June, health authorities in Cárdenas, Matanzas, stated that the suspected cases of hepatitis A in the 13 de Marzo neighborhood had decreased "significantly" following the implementation of a set of "control measures" focused on the area, although one to two cases were still being reported daily.
In December 2024, Minsap had already confirmed a significant increase in this disease.
Frequently asked questions about the hepatitis outbreak in Guantánamo
What is happening in the Guantánamo Border Brigade regarding hepatitis?
An outbreak of hepatitis is affecting the Border Brigade in Guantánamo, specifically in the Eastern Battalion, according to allegations that claim military authorities are attempting to conceal the situation. The affected soldiers are mainly newly recruited teenagers, and the lack of official information is causing uncertainty among the families of the young soldiers.
How is hepatitis A spreading in Cuba?
Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of water or food contaminated with the feces of infected individuals. Poor hygiene conditions and issues with the supply of drinking water facilitate its spread. In Cuba, these conditions are common, leading to an increase in cases in various regions of the country.
What measures are recommended to prevent the spread of hepatitis A?
Health authorities recommend boiling water and treating it with chlorine before consumption. It is also advised to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables with chlorinated water, and to maintain strict personal hygiene measures, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
How does the hepatitis A outbreak affect the Cuban healthcare system?
The outbreak of hepatitis A could overwhelm healthcare services if not controlled in a timely manner. The situation worsens due to the fragility of the Cuban healthcare system, which is already facing challenges from the shortage of medications, lack of personnel, and deterioration of infrastructure. The government's ineffective management in ensuring a proper health environment has exacerbated the situation.
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