# Public health and hospital crises in Santiago de Cuba > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/public-health-and-hospital-crises-in-santiago-de-cuba > Updated: 2026-09-09T21:25:18.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3. Healthcare and public health stability in Santiago de Cuba has faced significant challenges. Initial reports highlighted a crisis in hospital infrastructure and safety, specifically at the Juan Bruno Zayas Clinical Surgical Hospital, where facilities suffered from rodent infestations, sewage leaks, and cockroach issues. Security concerns also emerged, including a reported knifepoint robbery of a pregnant woman at the Clínica de Los Ángeles. Public health concerns escalated following a suspected food poisoning incident at the José Martí Pérez polyclinic, where 52 patients were treated for symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cramps. While authorities stated no patients were in critical condition, 18 individuals—including two pregnant women, three non-lactating minors, and 13 adults—were transferred to hospitals for specialized monitoring due to mild to moderate dehydration. The Provincial Health Directorate is conducting laboratory tests to confirm the cause, amid unofficial reports suggesting the poisoning may be linked to bread sold by a street vendor in the San Pedrito area, with some claims alleging the presence of ‘nitro salt’. More recently, five children required urgent medical attention at the Dr. Antonio María Béguez César Southern Children's Hospital for vomiting and diarrhea caused by food poisoning. While the hospital used the incident to demonstrate the efficiency of its pediatric services, specific details regarding the children's ages or the food source remain undisclosed. This follows a warning from the United States Embassy regarding a significant increase in diarrheal diseases across Cuba, with experts noting that the ongoing energy crisis may be impacting food preservation and exacerbating the risk of foodborne illnesses. ## Claims - 52 patients were treated at the José Martí Pérez polyclinic for symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps. (corroborated by 2 sources) - None of the affected patients are in serious or critical condition. (corroborated by 2 sources) - 18 people, including two pregnant women, three non-lactating minors, and 13 adults, were transferred to hospitals for deeper clinical follow-up. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Authorities have identified a possible origin for the food poisoning and are conducting laboratory tests to determine the exact cause. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Unofficial reports suggest the bread may have contained nitro salt. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The poisoning may have been caused by bread purchased from a street vendor in the San Pedrito area. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Santiago de Cuba: Five children treated for food poisoning Five children in Santiago de Cuba were treated for food poisoning, following a recent outbreak that affected dozens in the same province amid rising concerns over diarrheal diseases in Cuba. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santiago-de-cuba-five-children-treated-for-food-poisoning ### 2026-08-25: Santiago de Cuba: 52 people treated for suspected food poisoning Fifty-two people were treated for food poisoning in Santiago de Cuba. Authorities are investigating the cause, while unofficial reports suggest contaminated bread sold by a street vendor may be responsible. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santiago-de-cuba-52-people-treated-for-suspected-food-poisoning ### 2026-08-08: Santiago de Cuba hospitals face hygiene and security crises Hospitals in Santiago de Cuba are struggling with severe hygiene issues, including rodent infestations, and rising security concerns following reports of armed robberies in maternity wards. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santiago-de-cuba-hospitals-face-hygiene-and-security-crises --- Cite as: Public health and hospital crises in Santiago de Cuba. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/public-health-and-hospital-crises-in-santiago-de-cuba