The health authorities of the province of Ciego de Ávila are maintaining close epidemiological surveillance following the detection of several suspected cases of hepatitis in different municipalities of the territory, confirmed Dr. José Luis López González, deputy director of Epidemiology at the Provincial Centre for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology.

The specialist explained that the Health system activated the established protocols for this type of situation as soon as the first cases were reported.

«We are working on the precise characterisation of these events, taking samples and carrying out the corresponding laboratory studies to determine the type of hepatitis and its possible origin,» stated López González.

According to the epidemiologist, technical teams are conducting field investigations in the affected areas, with an emphasis on identifying common risk factors among the detected cases. Among the hypotheses being evaluated are possible sources of contamination in the water supply or in food.

The Provincial Centre for Hygiene has intensified prevention and control actions, which include the disinfection of areas identified as potential transmission foci, the monitoring of close contacts of confirmed cases, and a review of sanitary-hygienic conditions in public establishments.

López González called on the population to maintain strict personal hygiene measures, such as frequent handwashing, consumption of boiled or chlorinated water, and proper food handling. “Public cooperation is fundamental to preventing the spread of any transmissible disease,” he emphasised.

The health authorities are keeping the public informed and assure that epidemiological monitoring will continue until the situation is completely clarified. Anyone presenting symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, fever, nausea or abdominal pain should immediately attend their family doctor.