Due to the Las Tunas people's concern about the spread of a suspected hepatitis outbreak on various social media profiles, 26 approached the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology to speak with Dr. Aldo Cortés González, deputy director of the institution, who urged increased hygiene and health measures.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- "In recent days, through the surveillance system of the General Directorate of Health in the province, we learned of cases with probable symptoms of hepatitis in the areas of the Manuel (Piti) Fajardo and Aquiles Espinosa polyclinics in the municipality of Las Tunas. These cases are currently under investigation.
"Hepatitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the liver, of which there are several types, with different transmission routes. In this case, the virus circulating is likely hepatitis A, transmitted through fecal-oral transmission."
The doctor reported that the most common symptoms are yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine and pale stools, abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
"If one or more of the symptoms described appear, we recommend that people go to their family doctor's office, the polyclinic in their corresponding health area, or the Ernesto Guevara Hospital," the specialist emphasized.
"We would like to inform families that when healthcare personnel suspect a person has hepatitis, they cannot return to work or school until they have been discharged by the attending physician.”
"Likewise, it is necessary to limit contact with family, neighbors, friends, and others. Bed rest, enteric isolation (a separate cup, spoon, and plate, disinfection after washing), and cleaning and disinfecting the toilet bowl, urinal, or other container used are recommended."
Cortés González emphasized the importance of maintaining a proper, balanced, nutritious, and easily digestible diet, avoiding excess and reducing the workload on the liver.
He explained that the nutrients necessary for liver cell regeneration are found in white fish, skinless chicken, egg whites, low-fat dairy products, and well-cooked legumes, among others.
The specialist recommended avoiding saturated fats and incorporating cooked or steamed fruits and vegetables whenever possible to combat inflammation, as well as stimulate the immune system and cell repair. He also advised drinking plenty of fluids to help the liver eliminate toxins (water is the best option).
"The diet can be adapted by the doctor to the individual condition and progress of each patient. Remember that hepatitis A is usually a self-limiting disease, and with rest and a proper diet, most people recover completely," he clarified.
"At the Hygiene Center, we continue to monitor the situation, seek alternatives, and adopt appropriate and necessary measures, with the participation of different sectors, to contribute to the health of the public."
"We call for prevention and self-responsibility, to promptly assist health institutions, which are the source of our surveillance system, and to avoid speculation that conspires against public peace."
ADDITIONAL PRACTICAL DIETARY ADVICE
Small, frequent meals: Instead of three large meals, eat five to six smaller ones throughout the day, which helps avoid overloading the digestive system and keeps energy levels stable.
Gentle cooking: Choose cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, baking (without burning), or grilling with a little oil.
Listen to your body: If a food makes you feel unwell, avoid it temporarily.
GENERAL MEASURES
Extreme hygiene: Hepatitis A is spread through the fecal-oral route. Frequent handwashing with soap and water is essential, especially after using the bathroom and before eating and preparing food, to avoid infecting others.
1. Consume safe water and food:
• Drinking water from a known source.
• Covered water tanks.
• Handle containers for collecting water with clean hands and keep them covered and in a place where they will not become contaminated.
• Wash and disinfect fruits and vegetables with treated drinking water.
• Keep food and kitchen utensils covered and protected from contact with animals and insects, such as flies or cockroaches.
• Cook food thoroughly.
• Special call to self-employed workers and MSMEs that preserve, prepare, or sell food for direct consumption to comply with the above measures.
2. Avoid contact with bodily fluids: do not share personal items such as toothbrushes; for other types of hepatitis, do not share syringes or needles.
3. If symptoms occur: See a doctor for evaluation and stay home, rest, and avoid contact with other people, following the given recommendations.
