A young Cuban mother who returned to her hometown, Güira de Melena, shared on TikTok that her baby got sick during the trip after drinking bottled water that turned out to be repackaged.
"My baby got sick for the first time, and in Cuba," wrote @madyelypieiro4 about a video showing her son sleeping in her lap during the return flight. She explained that the child started with vomiting, then diarrhea, and a complete refusal of food and liquids, which prompted her to seek medical attention.
At the health center, she reported that “they told us they didn't know what it was, but that they were going to give him a gravinol to prevent my baby from getting dehydrated and help him feel better.” After several days of discomfort, they finally identified the source of the problem: the water they bought at a state store, which was “sealed and everything” but was actually “repackaged water.”
"One cannot trust that place," commented the mother, who specifically mentioned the establishment known as La Ruina in Güira de Melena. "After all, I had to walk the entire town to find real water. The moral of the story: bring your water from here if you are going to Cuba, especially for your baby," she concluded.
The video quickly went viral and sparked hundreds of reactions from Cuban mothers who claimed to have had similar experiences. "I brought mine with diarrhea, fever, vomiting. They went five days without wanting to eat anything or drink water. They lost a lot of weight. Right now, taking children to Cuba is complicated," one user shared.
Another person recalled, “At the doctor's, they told me it was called traveler’s fever, and that it happens to 98 percent of babies due to changes in environment, air, heat, water...”. Some recommended boiling the water, using filters, or even sending boxes of purified water from the United States.
"It happened to me exactly the same. Thank God I realized it quickly because the youngest was only six months old and was only drinking formula," commented a mother. Another added, "The best thing is to boil the water. I went through that with my daughter and I never buy water in Cuba anymore. I boil it."
This new testimony adds to the video published by the same user, @madyelypieiro4, where she shared the emotional reunion with her mother, who met her grandson for the first time after four years of separation. The scene, recorded in Güira de Melena, sparked a wave of emotions on social media by reflecting the migratory plight of thousands of Cuban families separated by distance.
The story also connects with warnings that have been circulating on social media for months. Last December, a mother in the U.S. sought advice about traveling to the island with her two-month-old baby, and she received a flood of comments discouraging the trip due to health risks. "You should bring medication for fever and pain, diapers, a rechargeable fan, food, and her toiletries… in short, everything your little girl usually uses," they told her.
For many mothers, the experience has been a wake-up call. "Moral of the story: don't go to Cuba with small children," stated one user in the comments of the video. Another was more straightforward: "I think you should bring everything except the baby."
Frequently Asked Questions About the Risks of Traveling to Cuba with Children
Why is it recommended to bring your own water when traveling to Cuba?
It is recommended to bring your own water when traveling to Cuba because bottled water may be repackaged and not safe for consumption. In the reported case, a baby fell ill after consuming water that appeared to be sealed but turned out to be repackaged. This has led many families to advise carrying water from abroad to avoid health issues.
What are the health risks of traveling to Cuba with children?
Traveling to Cuba with children can pose health risks due to water quality, changes in environment, and the lack of adequate medications. Infants and children may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Moreover, the healthcare system may have deficiencies, complicating proper care.
What precautions should mothers take when traveling to Cuba with their children?
Mothers should take several precautions when traveling to Cuba with their children, such as bringing enough food, purified water, and medications from their home country. It is recommended to bring everything necessary, such as water filters and to boil local water before using it. This is essential to prevent illnesses and ensure the well-being of children during the trip.
What experiences have other mothers shared about their trips to Cuba with children?
Many mothers have shared similar experiences when traveling to Cuba with their children, recounting health issues and difficulties in finding basic products. Some have recommended against traveling with small children to the island due to the risks. These experiences have sparked a debate about the advisability of making these trips under the current conditions in Cuba.
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