An alarming outbreak of food poisoning was reported on Friday in the town of Pedro Betancourt, located in Matanzas province. The incident, which affected 29 individuals—22 of whom are children—was highlighted in an official statement by the Provincial Directorate of Public Health and aired by the state-run TV Yumurí on Saturday.
The outbreak has been linked to the consumption of meals prepared at a local establishment connected to the "Cesáreo Sánchez" health area within the municipality.
Out of those impacted, 11 individuals—comprising three adults and eight children—were transferred to facilities offering higher levels of specialized care. The remaining 18 are under medical observation and continuous monitoring.
The predominant symptoms reported include vomiting and diarrhea. Health officials have assured that there are "no severe or critical cases" among the affected individuals.
Immediate Medical Response and Investigation
Following the initial report, the province's Medical Emergency System was promptly activated. A multidisciplinary team is actively conducting on-site epidemiological investigations to pinpoint the precise causes of the outbreak, while keeping a close watch on everyone potentially exposed to the contaminated food, as per the official note.
Authorities confirmed the availability of "necessary medical resources, supplies, and hydration protocols" to ensure the complete recovery of those affected. They urged the public to heighten hygiene practices when preparing and consuming food, and to seek medical attention promptly if experiencing similar symptoms.
Background of Health Deterioration in Matanzas
This incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing health deterioration in Matanzas. Earlier in May, the province faced a hepatitis A outbreak with 18 active cases in the Versalles neighborhood of the provincial capital, leading to the shutdown of establishments in the Plácido area.
Between August and early September, a provincial inspection crackdown identified 1,818 violations and ordered the closure of 46 establishments across 13 municipalities due to commercial irregularities.
National Increase in Food Poisoning Cases
Nationally, food poisoning outbreaks have surged throughout 2026. In late August, Santiago de Cuba experienced the most severe case in recent times, with 52 individuals, including pregnant women and children, suffering from abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Just on September 9th, five children were urgently treated at the Hospital Infantil Sur in Santiago de Cuba with similar symptoms.
On September 4th, the United States Embassy in Cuba issued a health alert regarding the rise in digestive illnesses, advising caution with perishable foods—such as meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy—that may have been improperly stored due to prolonged power outages disrupting the island's cold chain.
Matanzas is among the Cuban provinces identified with critical levels of food insecurity according to a report from April this year, exacerbating the risk of incidents like the one in Pedro Betancourt.
Common Questions About Food Poisoning Outbreaks in Cuba
What caused the recent food poisoning outbreak in Matanzas?
The outbreak has been linked to the consumption of food prepared at a local establishment associated with the "Cesáreo Sánchez" health area in Pedro Betancourt.
How have local authorities responded to the food poisoning outbreak?
The Medical Emergency System was activated immediately, and a multidisciplinary team is investigating the cause of the outbreak while monitoring those potentially exposed. Necessary medical resources and hydration protocols have been put in place.
Are food poisoning outbreaks common in Cuba?
Yes, there has been a notable increase in food poisoning outbreaks across Cuba in 2026, with significant cases reported in various provinces, including Santiago de Cuba.