Diarrheal illnesses linked to contaminated water reported in Santiago de Cuba

A diarrheal outbreak possibly associated with contaminated water has been reported in several Santiago de Cuba communities. Areas mentioned include Altamira, Antonio Maceo, Veguita de Galo and the town of El Cristo.

An unnamed specialist from the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology reportedly described a rise in patients and pipes that remain without water for weeks. According to the specialist, when service resumes, broken pipes can draw in wastewater.

The specialist recommended boiling water and said that although it passes through a treatment plant, it carries sediment. Children and older adults are also identified among affected groups, but the report provides neither case totals nor microbiological test results.