CI safe from cholera but Cuba travellers warned

(CNS): Despite the recent outbreak of cholera in the neighbouring island of Cuba, public officials in Cayman reassured residents that the islands remain cholera free and are not at risk of an outbreak of the waterborne disease as a result of modern water and sewage treatment systems. However, following confirmation of the disease in at least three provinces in Cuba — Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Camaguey — health officials advise anyone travelling there to take extra precautions and remain vigilant regarding the disease. Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr Samuel Williams, has issued an updated travel advisory.

There are no travel restrictions to Cuba, or to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, which are also affected by outbreaks, but travellers are advised to be aware of the basic cholera facts and to observe basic cholera prevention recommendations, including frequent hand-washing practices and consuming food and water that are known to be safe.

“We ask anyone who has travelled to Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic to contact their doctor immediately should they develop watery diarrhoea and vomiting within five days of leaving. It is also important to state their travel history to their doctor,” Dr Williams advised.

To ensure readiness, the Public Health Department called a multi-agency preparedness meeting on Thursday, 29 August, when Health Minister Osbourne Bodden said he was impressed by the preparations and applauded the public health officials and healthcare professionals, as well as all other relevant stakeholders, for their efforts to detect and manage imported cases.

For more information on cholera please call the Public Health Department on 244-2621.

Tips for Prevention below.