Around 100 Persons Hospitalized in the City of Güines Due to Food Poisoning

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Havana, June 3, 2009/CihPress - According to statements from human rights activists residing in the Municipalities of Güines and San Jose de las Lajas, interviewed by journalists of our center.

"Two people died, among them a minor, due to the consumption of unwholesome food", Julian E. Martinez, National Secretary of the Pro Human Rights Party in Cuba, and a resident of San Jose de las Lajas, explained via telephone, and he also stated:

"Hospital Leopoldito Martinez on Monday during the early morning hours, was full of people with food poisoning symptoms and they were sent to hospitals in the capital city due to the conditions they were in".

"The health authorities have not informed the people about what substance in the milk products caused the poisoning", said a housewife residing in Güines, requesting not to reveal her name for fear of reprisals.

Jose Ramon an ex opponent, stated that:

"The inhabitants of this Municipality are alarmed due to this matter and even though I am aware of what transpired I do not want to talk about it fearing the authorities will take reprisals against my family".

Another contacted sources explained:

The local radio station informed the people and warned the rationing card holders not to buy food with cheese as an ingredient, such as pizzas and ham and cheese sandwiches to avoid more people getting sick. Also food centers and private dining places were prohibited from selling products with cheese ingredients until further order from the authorities. The station said that citizens could be punished by the courts if they did not obey this order.

Even though there are rumors that more people have died, up to now, we have been unable to exactly verify it.

The Municipality of Güines is located 52 kilometers (32.3 miles) from the City of Havana and it is recognized as the capital of Havana Province.

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