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GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (GIS) -- Cayman Islands Medical Officer of Health, Dr Kiran Kumar has issued an update on the cholera situation in Cuba. As at 13 July 2012, Cuba had 137 confirmed cholera cases and approximately 1,000 patients have received medical attention in that country.

According to the latest report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the deaths remain at three and the confirmed cases reached 236 on July 29, 2012, in the Manzanillo province of Granma.

"There are no travel restrictions. If you have to go, take vital precautions such as ensuring hygienic food preparation, boiling or purifying all water, and washing hands often with soap and clean water. Travellers should also carry an ample supply of oral rehydration salts," Kumar stated.

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by ingesting contaminated food or water with cholera bacterium. It can take anywhere from five hours to five days for symptoms to appear after infection, but usually symptoms appear within 24-48 hours. Cholera infection is often mild or without symptoms but can sometimes be severe.

Travellers to Cuba are advised to contact their doctor immediately should they develop watery diarrhoea and vomiting within five days of leaving. It is also important to state their travel history to their doctor. This advisory is applicable to travellers to Haiti and Dominican Republic, the two other countries in the region affected by cholera.

"Cholera is not present in the Cayman Islands and the chances of importation of cholera into Cayman are limited and even if it occurs, our excellent sanitation and safe water will prevent its spread. In addition, we have adequate facilities and drugs to manage any case should importation occur," Kumar emphasised.

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Gordon " CubaKing " Robinson:

I recently returned to Canada after visiting Granma province. The problem is under control with some water sources being treated. Water is being trucked into some areas as local water has been cut off.