Hepatitis Outbreak in Las Tunas? Health Authorities Respond

Health authorities in Las Tunas urged the public to take extra hygiene and sanitation measures and to avoid speculation following concerns raised on social media about a supposed outbreak of hepatitis.

"Amid the concerns of the residents of Las Tunas and the dissemination on various social media profiles regarding a supposed outbreak of hepatitis," Dr. Aldo Cortés González, deputy director of the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology, made a statement to Periódico26, which was reproduced by the provincial government site. He reported that the health surveillance system detected “cases with probable symptoms of hepatitis” in the areas of the Manuel (Piti) Fajardo and Aquiles Espinosa polyclinics in the municipality, which “are under investigation.”

The specialist emphasized that hepatitis “is a disease characterized by inflammation of the liver” and that there are different types and modes of transmission. However, in this episode, “it is likely that the circulating type is hepatitis A, which is transmitted orally-fecally.”

Among the described symptoms, he mentioned "yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite."

Cortés González emphasized the importance of immediately visiting the family doctor’s office, the polyclinic, or the Ernesto Guevara hospital upon noticing any of these signs, and reminded that individuals showing symptoms “should not return to work or studies until they have been cleared by a medical professional.”

He also advised limiting contact with other people, using separate utensils for eating, and disinfecting personal and sanitary items. Regarding diet, he recommended maintaining a "suitable, balanced, and easily digestible" diet, with ample consumption of liquids, cooked fruits, and vegetables, while avoiding saturated fats.

The official emphasized that "hepatitis A is usually a self-limiting illness, and with proper rest and diet, most people fully recover," and insisted on the need to "seek timely assistance from health institutions and avoid speculations that undermine public peace."

The official post from the provincial government, which echoed the statements of the deputy director of the Hygiene Center, generated dozens of comments from users concerned about water quality, unsanitary conditions, and the state of hospitals.

A user wrote: "Well, we will maintain hygiene in our home, but that disgusting water they send us—who controls it?" Another user pointed out: "The level of unsanitary conditions that we see in our city today is unmatched compared to other times in our history; the quality of the water we consume, the cleanliness of the streets, parks, and avenues leaves much to be desired..."

In the same post, several people claimed to know of close cases of hepatitis. “Supposed outbreak of hepatitis??? Seriously. I already know several cases that are suffering from that disease; please, health should not be taken lightly.”

Others questioned the official version. "It is clear that it's easier to talk about assumptions than to confront reality, because hepatitis does exist, but if you don't want to see it, then it doesn't exist."

Citizen unrest also focused on the structural problems of the city: sewage, landfills near polyclinics, and the scarcity of basic hygiene products.

Days before the official statements were made, the page "Nio reporting a crime" had published an alert titled "Alert in Las Tunas for possible hepatitis outbreak," indicating an increase in cases in neighborhoods of the main municipality and requesting information from health authorities.

The post generated hundreds of reactions and comments from neighbors claiming to know sick individuals and denouncing the poor quality of the water.

"Of course there have to be viruses and diseases if we are living in such terrible conditions," wrote a user. "You go to the doctor and there is nothing available, they are overwhelmed with people suffering from vomiting and diarrhea, fevers, dehydration, dengue, and all sorts of diseases we can imagine. My dad is 74 years old, he has been running a high fever for a week and I don’t dare take him to the hospital," she added.

Another comment stated: “The day before yesterday, I took my grandson to the pediatric hospital for pain in his side, and the tests came back positive for hepatitis A. The emergency room was overwhelmed; I had never seen so many sick children at once, and most of them tested positive. The situation is concerning.”

Testimonies from neighbors were also shared, stating they have diagnosed relatives: “A friend of mine was diagnosed on October 6,” wrote one. “The water that comes to us looks like the one that runs through the streets when it rains, and we have to use the same water for cooking and cleaning.”

"My two granddaughters have hepatitis and nothing has been done, this can't go on," recounted another person. Similarly, someone else commented: "My grandson has hepatitis, the pediatric ward was full of children with fever yesterday and there isn't enough medical staff."

Reports about the water quality and the accumulation of garbage have been consistent. "The worst problem in Las Tunas, among many others, is the muddy water we are consuming," read one message. Another stated: "The water that comes through the pipes is muddy, has a bad smell, and is untreated. Even if it looks clear, it could be contaminated."

Other comments pointed directly to the cause: "The water is contaminated, it's horrible, how long has it been since the tanks were cleaned or disinfected?" wrote one person. "The wastewater runs alongside the rainwater and that is what is delivered through the pipes, full of filth," another said.

More than one user reported a confirmed outbreak in their area: "It's not possible; there is an outbreak of hepatitis," wrote one woman. Another stated, "There are already more than 20 cases of dengue with hepatitis," and another commented, "There is one confirmed case in my family, and the children in the classroom are at home resting and in isolation."

Several messages expressed concern and distrust: "We are living in fear, worse than during Covid, because at least we were informed," noted a user. Another added: "This is behind the scenes, but it's true, in my neighborhood and the surrounding ones, there are issues, and in many areas. We are living in fear."

Overall, the comments reflected a widespread sense of alarm and neglect, as well as the public's demand for authorities to provide transparent information and concrete measures to curb the spread of diseases.

Although local authorities did not make any explicit reference to that or any other specific post on social media, subsequent official statements urged people "not to spread information without health backing that may disturb public peace."

This Wednesday, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) officially acknowledged the deaths of three individuals due to dengue so far in 2025, marking the first official report of fatalities linked to arboviruses this year.

During a television appearance, the Deputy Minister of Public Health, Dr. Carilda Peña García, confirmed that dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever viruses are currently circulating in Cuba, as well as other seasonal respiratory viruses and outbreaks of hepatitis A in closed populations.

The official indicated that the proliferation of mosquitoes is facilitated by the deterioration of communal hygiene and the increase in rainfall, and explained that the resources available for vector control are concentrated in areas where active transmission has been confirmed.

His call to not underestimate the symptoms and to seek medical attention in the event of any feverish condition aligns with the authorities' exhortation in Las Tunas to intensify hygienic and sanitary measures and maintain individual responsibility to prevent infections.

Frequently Asked Questions about the hepatitis outbreak in Las Tunas