Dr. Andrés Lamas Acevedo, head of the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology in Matanzas, revealed on Saturday that active cases of hepatitis have been identified across several areas of the province, including Versalles, the Plácido zone, La Cumbre, and isolated instances in other municipalities.
During an interview with the Girón newspaper, Dr. Lamas Acevedo emphasized that while the most concentrated clusters are "fairly controlled," the disease is spreading from person to person rather than through water, unlike a previous outbreak in Versalles about two decades ago.
Temporary Closure of Establishments
As a containment strategy, authorities have temporarily shut down businesses in the Plácido area. "When a group of people in a specific area falls ill, such as in Plácido, we must close establishments, including juice bars and cafes that serve prepared beverages, as there is no guarantee of their safety," Dr. Lamas Acevedo explained.
Challenges in Managing Hepatitis
The expert noted that hepatitis is challenging to manage due to its silent transmission period. "The virus can spread 10 days before symptoms appear and up to 15 days afterward. Someone could have it now, feel fine, and still be spreading it," he warned.
Preventive Measures and Limitations
Authorities have urged the public to boil or chlorinate water with hypochlorite as a primary preventive measure. However, Dr. Lamas Acevedo acknowledged the material limitations faced by the population: "Not everyone has the means to boil water, due to lack of gas or reliance on charcoal."
This situation is not unprecedented. Since early April, 18 active cases were confirmed in Versalles and seven in La Marina, Cárdenas municipality, while hotspots in Pálpite and Cidra — the latter with 11 cases detected around March 20 — were nearing resolution.
Infrastructure and Sanitary Challenges
Matanzas' health context is particularly fragile. The province suffers the most from power outages in Cuba, with blackouts lasting between 30 and 48 hours in some circuits, hindering water pump operations. Informal wells have surged in Matanzas neighborhoods from 20 to over 40 between October 2025 and March 2026, and private trucked water is priced between 6,000 and 8,000 pesos. In February 2025, authorities found fecal contamination in water supply networks in the Bello area.
National Hepatitis Trends
This trend is mirrored nationwide. In December 2024, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) reported a significant rise in hepatitis A cases countrywide, with Cienfuegos exceeding 5,000 infections that year due to water contamination with sewage. In April 2026, Camagüey also raised concerns with an increase in suspected cases, though officials denied an official outbreak.
Vector-Borne Disease Prevention Efforts
Alongside addressing the hepatitis situation, Dr. Lamas Acevedo announced measures for the upcoming arbovirus season starting in May: complete urban abatization within two months and the deployment of 25 fumigator machines using water as a diluent instead of oil, a technology never before used in Cuba. The anti-vector workforce operates at 50% capacity, prompting mobilization of personnel from other sectors and medical students.
"Currently, there's no dengue or chikungunya transmission, but we must prepare for mosquito season, given our tropical climate, as these diseases emerge annually," the official cautioned.
Understanding the Hepatitis Situation in Matanzas
What areas in Matanzas are affected by hepatitis?
Hepatitis cases have been reported in Versalles, the Plácido zone, La Cumbre, and isolated instances in all municipalities of Matanzas.
How are the authorities in Matanzas responding to the hepatitis outbreak?
Authorities have temporarily closed businesses in affected areas like Plácido and are urging residents to boil or chlorinate water as preventive measures.
What challenges are faced in controlling hepatitis in Matanzas?
Hepatitis is difficult to control due to its silent transmission period, and the population faces material limitations in boiling or chlorinating water.