Bases for Ciguatoxin Risk Management in the Municipality of Santiago de Cuba
Abstract
Introduction: Ciguatera constitutes a public health problem with social and economic repercussions. It has been historically recorded in the municipality of Santiago de Cuba; however, recent official statistics suggest possible underreporting.
Objective: To characterize the risk associated with ciguatera in the municipality of Santiago de Cuba through the analysis and comparison of official information with cases reported in coastal communities during 2018–2025.
Methods: An exploratory, observational, descriptive, and retrospective study was conducted, complemented by qualitative techniques. A total of 130 participants were interviewed: 12 fishermen, 105 residents of coastal communities, and 13 public health professionals. Records from the Provincial Center of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology corresponding to 2018–2025 were reviewed. The following variables were analyzed: occurrence of cases, species involved, capture sites, symptoms, healthcare, and follow-up. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and spatially represented using digital cartography.
Results: Forty-one cases were reported by fishermen and coastal communities, whereas official records showed a marked decrease and absence of reports between 2021 and 2025. Most community cases were associated with *Sphyraena barracuda*, caught in Santiago de Cuba Bay and Siboney. Limitations in risk perception and gaps in case notification and follow-up were identified.
Conclusions: A discrepancy was evident between official information and community cases, consistent with underreporting. Integrated surveillance mechanisms, training, community participation, and intersectoral management are required for effective management of risk and epidemiological information.
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