Havana, Sept 19 (RHC-Granma).- Cuban Vice Minister for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) Dr. Luis Estruch spoke about the need to for the country to carry out vigorous community actions related to hygiene to prevent the emergence of diseases and epidemics after the passage of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Public health authorities, with the support of the population, have put into action several measures planned for hygienic and epidemiological control after the occurrence of a disaster, taking into account the main risks of this stage related to diseases transmitted by water and food, especially dengue, hepatitis, leptospirosis and rabies.

Professor Estruch told Granma newspaper that epidemiological actions were reinforced after the devastation caused by Gustav.

On the tail of Gustav, Hurricane Ike brought torrential rains and flooding throughout the country that favor the emergence of diseases, increasing the importance of hygiene and the strict control of drinking water . and food.

Public health authorities are prioritizing rodent control and surveillance to prevent the disease known as leptospirosis. It’s recommended to see a doctor immediately if persistent fever appears and MINSAP is offering prophylactic medicines and including a vaccine to control leptospirosis, which is being administered in areas where there’s risk of contracting this disease.

Dr. Estruch explained that after the passage of the two hurricanes, the Aedes aegypti mosquito population that carries the dengue virus is bound to increase. MINSAP has already activated a force of 25,000 workers to visit homes for inspection and fumigation wherever risks are detected.

It’s also very important to inspect our own homes and work places and adopt measures to prevent the emergence of a dengue epidemic. Likewise, any person with scratches or lesions on their skin should have their vaccine against tetanus reactivated.

The vice minister also spoke of the importance of strict hygiene at boarding schools as thousands of Cubans start the new school year.