The U.S. Embassy in Havana has released a fresh health advisory for American citizens, following a surge in hepatitis A cases in the Cuban capital. The alert highlights that the risk of infection is exacerbated by the inadequacies in the island's water and sanitation infrastructure.
According to the official statement, hepatitis A primarily spreads through contaminated food and water, with greater exposure in areas suffering from water supply issues, ineffective garbage collection, and a high presence of flies.
U.S. authorities urge travelers to consult their healthcare providers about the hepatitis A vaccine prior to traveling to Cuba and to maintain strict hygiene practices during their visit. They also recommend reviewing medical evacuation options with travel insurers, in case of illness while abroad.
The Embassy directs citizens to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, which provides detailed information regarding symptoms, preventive measures, and available vaccines.
This advisory adds to a series of recent health warnings from Washington concerning outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya, and oropouche in Cuba. These alerts underscore the growing concern over the worsening sanitary conditions on the island.
Cuba's Ministry of Public Health confirmed on Wednesday a "slight increase" in hepatitis A cases. Hepatitis A is a disease transmitted via the digestive route. An expert emphasized that it is expelled through feces, which can contaminate water and subsequently affect raw vegetables that are inadequately washed.
"Whenever possible, water should be boiled, and chlorine tablets, which are occasionally available at pharmacies, should be used. The tablets are added to the water before consumption, and vegetables must be thoroughly washed with chlorinated water," warned Francisco Durán, the national director of Hygiene and Epidemiology.
Understanding the Hepatitis A Alert in Cuba
What prompted the U.S. Embassy to issue a health alert in Cuba?
The alert was issued due to a rise in hepatitis A cases in Havana, driven by poor water and sanitation conditions in Cuba.
How is hepatitis A transmitted?
Hepatitis A spreads primarily through contaminated food and water, especially in areas with deficient sanitation services.
What precautions should travelers take when visiting Cuba?
Travelers should consider vaccination against hepatitis A, maintain high hygiene standards, and verify medical evacuation options with their insurers.