The Public Health Agency of Canada is warning travellers about the outbreak of cholera in Cuba, a destination that鈥檚 long been popular with Canadian tourists.
鈥淭he Ministry of Public Health in Cuba has reported an increase in the number of cases of illness with diarrhea in some areas of the country due to high temperatures and heavy rainfall,鈥� the agency says in a notice published to its website Wednesday afternoon.
It notes that the province with the highest incidence is Granma, with most cases reported in the municipality of Manzanillo.
The health agency recommends those planning to travel to Cuba follow safe water and food precautions.
That means eating only food that has been well cooked and avoiding uncooked fish and seafood. It also means avoiding salads and food from street vendors.
As well, drink and use ice only from purified water that has been boiled or disinfected, and stick with commercially bottled water in sealed containers.
PHAC also notes that while most travellers are at low risk of infection, Canadian tourists who plan to areas with limited access to clean water and food may want to consider getting the vaccine against cholera.
As well, the notice advises that if travellers develop severe diarrhea or vomiting after returning to Canada, they should seek medical attention immediately, noting that young children and the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are at greatest risk of dehydration.
Cholera is an acute stomach infection caused by bacteria that can contaminate water or food. The illness causes watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration, which can be life-threatening.
If caught early, cholera is easily treated, mostly through rehydration.
The Cuban government announced in state-run media on July 3 that there had been 53 cases of cholera in the country and three deaths. The country鈥檚 health ministry says it鈥檚 sealing off tainted water supplies and says the outbreak is under control.
But several reports have emerged over the last week that there have been many more cases -- including some that have been diagnosed in the capital of Havana, on the other end of the island from Granma.
Those reports -- as well as relative silence from the Cuban government since their initial report -- have fuelled speculation that the epidemic may be worse than Havana has said.
On Tuesday, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said it was looking into the outbreak as a potential threat to European travellers. It said it was assessing the situation and would publish a rapid risk assessment on its website shortly.
