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An outbreak of hepatitis A is spreading in various areas of the east, such as Santiago de Cuba, amidst a context characterized by severe sanitation issues, garbage accumulation, collapsed sewage systems, and the deterioration of the drinking water supply, according to alerts received from those territories.
According to information gathered by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on Facebook, the disease is transmitted in that area primarily through the fecal-oral route, via the consumption of water or food contaminated with microscopic remains of fecal matter, a daily risk for the residents of the city under the current sanitary conditions.
The situation is exacerbated by the lack of systematic solid waste collection, aging and overwhelmed sewage systems, as well as the potential for cross-contamination between wastewater and drinking water pipes.
This is compounded by the proliferation of vectors such as flies, cockroaches, and rodents, as well as the scarcity of basic hygiene products like bleach and detergent.
Specialists warn that this scenario creates favorable conditions for the expansion of infectious diseases, including hepatitis A, which severely affects communities with low levels of environmental sanitation, according to the report.
According to Mayeta, cases have been reported in various health areas of the municipality of Santiago de Cuba, including polyclinics that serve the pediatric population.
Also, CiberCuba confirmed that in the province of Las Tunas since last October there has been an increase in patients diagnosed with this disease.
The health authorities consulted by Mayeta recommend taking enhanced preventive measures while the current conditions persist. These include boiling and chlorinating water before consumption, washing hands frequently, properly cleaning fruits and vegetables, and avoiding the consumption of raw foods in places with poor hygiene.
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