Maisi, Cuba.-The Ministry of Health maintains a strict epidemiological control in the eastern Cuban communities hit by Hurricane Matthew in order to prevent the spread of disease, officials said.

The First Deputy Minister of Health, Jose Angel Portal, said to Prensa Latina that despite working in the sanitation of the four municipalities of Guantanamo that suffered direct affectations, the hygiene conditions are not ideal.

‘Therefore, all necessary measures are taken to prevent the proliferation of vectors and the spread of contagious diseases’, he said.

On the other hand, he said that the production and distribution of sodium hypochlorite for the whole province is guaranteed.

Portal reported that the collection and treatment of solid waste is being carried out gradually.

Health workers also explain to the population about the need to take sanitary measures, like water purification and food conservation.

‘A few hours after the hurricane hit eastern Cuba and the way to reach the affected areas was cleared, was assessed the damages to all health institutions. Those that suffered minor damages were temporarily fitted out to give aid to the population and the remaining ones are working with the resources available,’ Portal said.

‘Since the start of the recovery stage, a team from the Ministry of Health has been working full-time in the region’, he said.