A heartbreaking incident in Havana has left an infant and two adults from the same family hospitalized after a tragic mistake led to the deaths of a young mother and her daughter. On Saturday afternoon, Doraima García Moroña, 25, and her five-year-old daughter, Nashlyn Salet Hernández García, died after consuming nitrate salt, mistaking it for regular table salt.
The victims were rushed to the Andrés Ortiz Polyclinic in Guanabacoa, but medical staff could not save them. "We couldn't assist them because they arrived deceased," stated Manuel Rivero Abello, the provincial health director, during an interview with Canal Caribe.
The incident came to light when a family member, who also fell ill, revealed they had used a "type of salt" which medical professionals suspected to be nitrate due to the unique symptoms observed. Rivero Abello explained, "It causes immediate death. Vomiting occurred and immediately after, the child and her mother passed away."
Currently, an infant under one year old, who was being breastfed, is under intensive care at the Centro Habana Pediatric Hospital. "She is under surveillance but remains out of danger for now," Rivero Abello confirmed.
Also hospitalized are Doraima García's mother and uncle, who both sampled the contaminated food. They were transferred to Miguel Enríquez Hospital (La Benéfica) and are reported to be in stable condition. However, they remain under observation due to the dangerous nature of nitrate salt ingestion, the health official noted, adding that "all emergency services" in the province are on alert for potential similar cases.
The family provided the clinic with the packet of salt, purchased by the uncle on Compostela Street in Old Havana. Rivero Abello indicated that the uncle will be questioned by the police once his health permits.
The incident has deeply shocked the Guanabacoa community. An official statement from the Provincial Health Directorate mentioned that Communist Party and Government officials visited the health center where the victims were treated.
The Ministry of the Interior has launched an investigation to uncover the causes of this tragic event and to identify those responsible.
Key Questions on the Nitrate Salt Incident in Havana
What caused the deaths of the mother and child in Havana?
The deaths were caused by the accidental ingestion of nitrate salt, which was mistaken for regular table salt.
Where did the family members purchase the nitrate salt?
The nitrate salt was bought on Compostela Street in Old Havana by the victims' uncle.
What actions have been taken by the authorities?
The Ministry of the Interior has started an investigation to determine the causes and responsibilities related to the incident.