In Holguin, environmental problems affecting public health intensify during the summer. Intense heat, humidity, and deteriorating community hygiene combine to create conditions conducive to the spread of diseases. Especially those associated with water contamination, poor food preservation, and high temperatures.
These environmental problems increase the population’s vulnerability, exacerbating respiratory and digestive diseases and arboviral infections.
The changing climate and global warming have a significant impact on the population’s well-being during the summer. Extreme drought is altering cropping patterns and contributing to shortages of drinking water and basic foodstuffs.
The state of the water infrastructure and the difficulties in boiling or chlorinating water are also factors to consider to prevent the spread of digestive diseases such as acute diarrhea, salmonellosis, shigellosis, and hepatitis A, recently warned Dr. Francisco Durán, National Director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) in Cuba.
In this sense, water management is a priority for disease prevention during the summer. As in many communities, the supply of drinking water is irregular, which can lead to inadequate storage and, consequently, the creation of mosquito breeding grounds and other health hazards.
During the summer, environmental factors that promote the proliferation of bacteria and viruses increase, increasing the risk of digestive and respiratory diseases.
Given these circumstances, preventive health measures are essential to protect public health during the summer season. One of the main strategies is the mobilization of education and awareness campaigns on the importance of strengthening epidemiological surveillance during the summer months.
This involves constant monitoring of cases of recurring diseases during the months of July and August and the collection of data necessary to identify outbreaks and implement effective responses. Likewise, efforts continue to promote healthy habits among the population.
By implementing comprehensive health measures, including community education, vector control, and improved access to water, we seek to mitigate the risks of epidemics and protect the population’s health during this delicate time of year.
Collaboration between the government and civil society will be essential to address these challenges and ensure a safer summer for all.
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernandez
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