Cholera in Cuba (Update)
12 Sep 2013
The media has reported on an outbreak of cholera in the southern central territory of Cienfuegos. The first unofficial case was identified around one month ago and new cases have continued to be reported throughout the territory.
The worst affected areas are the Reina barrio in the city of Cienfuegos with 32 cases and Miramontes a settlement located at the border with Caunao; a similar number of cases have been reported in Miramontes. All neighbourhoods of the city of Cienfuegos have confirmed cases of cholera. At least 3 of the 8 municipalities of the province are affected.
It is suspected that one source of infection may be the consumption of fish from the bay where city sewage is released.
Advice for Travellers
Cholera is a low risk for the average traveller to Cuba, however a good standard of food and water safety and personal hygiene should be maintained.
Travellers to outbreak areas who will be mixing closely with the local population and cannot ensure safe drinking water can be immunised against cholera.