Residents in Santiago de Cuba are reporting a surge of diseases, with authorities remaining completely silent on the matter. Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada revealed on Saturday via Facebook that there is a "major outbreak" of an epidemic characterized by symptoms of fever and vomiting in the Quintero, Santa María, and Boniato neighborhoods.
The information was corroborated by more than 300 people in the post. "It's very true. Right now, I know more than 20 infected people, and I went through it myself. The headaches are unbearable, there's fever, back pain, vomiting, diarrhea, eye pain, and when you recover, it leaves you feeling very weak with mild headaches for a few days," said a local self-employed worker.
"I was in a serious condition, and almost everyone in my area went through the same. There are outbreaks everywhere, and they say there's no fuel for fumigation," pointed out a singer.
"It's true. Almost every house has a case of this. Some say it's dengue, others say it's a virus. I don't know; I only know the symptoms are fever, headache, back pain, eye pain, dizziness, and vomiting. On my fourth day, I don't have a fever anymore, but I still feel a lot of discomfort," narrated a young woman.
Several internet users claim that the heat is leading to a greater spread of mosquitoes, and since electricity is cut off almost the entire night, fans cannot be used to keep mosquitoes away. Others pointed out the severe lack of cleanliness, including scarcity of soap, detergent, and disinfectants needed to maintain proper hygiene.
Outbreak of Diseases in Santiago de Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the disease outbreak in Santiago de Cuba:
What symptoms are being reported in the disease outbreak?
The reported symptoms include unbearable headaches, fever, back pain, vomiting, diarrhea, eye pain, dizziness, and a general feeling of weakness after recovery.
Which areas in Santiago de Cuba are affected?
The affected areas include the Quintero, Santa María, and Boniato neighborhoods.
What are the possible causes of the outbreak?
Possible causes include an increase in mosquito population due to heat and frequent power outages, which prevent the use of fans to repel mosquitoes. Additionally, there is a lack of cleanliness and insufficient availability of cleaning supplies like soap, detergent, and disinfectants.