Las Tunas faces health crisis as fuel shortages hamper fumigation

The province of Las Tunas is facing an escalating health crisis characterized by rising fever cases, particularly in Puerto Padre, Majibacoa, and the provincial capital. Puerto Padre has been identified as a hotspot, with a significant outbreak detected in the Romárico Oro health area.

Efforts to combat disease-carrying vectors through fumigation are being severely hampered by ongoing fuel shortages. Consequently, fumigation activities have been limited to Las Tunas, Majibacoa, and Jobabo. Health officials are attempting to implement biological controls and treat water reservoirs, but resource limitations persist.

In addition to the health concerns, the region faces broader resource scarcity. A shortage of charcoal has become a major issue for families needing to prepare food, especially as electricity shortages and a lack of liquefied petroleum gas persist. The scarcity of fuel and spare parts continues to impact both daily life and essential public health responses.