Cuba warns about the increase in the risks of outbreaks of Acute Diarrheal Diseases (ADD) in the Cuban population, due to the combination of high temperatures and frequent rains, conditions that favor the proliferation of bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
The weekly publication Venceremos, from the province of Guantánamo, addressed the issue and stated that these diseases, common during hot and humid periods, can lead to severe dehydration, general discomfort, and complications, especially in children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
The situation arises at an extremely delicate moment for the island's healthcare system, affected by a serious crisis marked by a shortage of specialists, a lack of medications, and an increasingly deteriorating infrastructure.
Water: a key transmission route
Untreated water can become a vehicle for infection, either due to the turbidity caused by rain or contamination during periods of drought, due to poor storage or handling practices.
It is recommended to boil the water before consuming it or to treat it with appropriate disinfectants to ensure its safety.
Essential hygiene measures
Since EDA are primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, it is crucial to maintain high standards of personal and environmental hygiene. Key recommendations include washing hands frequently with treated water and soap; washing, cooking, and refrigerating food; disinfecting household surfaces and sealing trash cans properly; disposing of waste daily, and keeping animal pens clean if they are present in the home.
What to do about the symptoms?
In the presence of symptoms such as fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and watery diarrhea (with or without blood), it is recommended to have Oral Rehydration Salts available or to prepare them at home with safe water, salt, and sugar. Additionally, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, especially for vulnerable individuals.
Having a rehydration solution does not replace medical care; rather, it serves as an emergency measure to prevent complications while receiving professional treatment.
For these reasons, it is advisable to take extra precautions at home and in the community to stop the spread of these diseases.
Frequently asked questions about outbreaks of diarrhea in Cuba due to heat and rainfall
Why are outbreaks of diarrhea increasing in Cuba?
Outbreaks of diarrhea are rising in Cuba due to the combination of high temperatures and frequent rains, which favor the proliferation of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These climatic conditions, along with the crisis in the healthcare system, worsen the health situation on the island.
What are the recommended measures to prevent diarrheal diseases in Cuba?
To prevent diarrheal diseases, it is recommended to boil water before consuming it and maintain high standards of personal and environmental hygiene. This includes washing hands with treated water and soap, properly cooking food, and disinfecting surfaces in the home. It is also important to keep garbage bins covered and to dispose of waste daily.
What to do if symptoms of diarrheal diseases occur?
If symptoms such as fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and watery diarrhea occur, it is crucial to see a doctor immediately and have Oral Rehydration Salts available. These salts can be prepared at home with safe water, salt, and sugar, to prevent dehydration while receiving professional medical attention.
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