Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Havana, Cuba, March-June 2020: Epidemiological Implications.

INTRODUCTION: The percentage of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases worldwide is estimated at 18-50%; 53% in Cuba specifically, and 58% in Havana, the Cuban capital and the 2020 epicenter of the country's COVID-19 epidemic. These figures, however, do not represent the transmission capacity or behavior of asymptomatic cases. Understanding asymptomatic transmission's contribution to SARS-CoV-2 spread is of great importance to disease control and prevention. OBJECTIVE: Identify the epidemiological implications of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in Havana, Cuba, during the first wave of the epidemic in 2020. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study of all confirmed COVID-19 cases diagnosed in Havana, Cuba, from March 16 through June 30, 2020. The information was obtained through review of the standardized form for investigation of suspected and confirmed cases. Examined variables included age, sex, occupation, case type and source of infection. Cases were divided into asymptomatic and symptomatic groups, and transmission was characterized through the creation of a contact matrix. Analysis was carried out in Epidat and R. RESULTS: We studied 1287 confirmed cases, of which 57.7% (743) were asymptomatic, and 42.3% (544) were symptomatic. Symptomatic presentation was the most common for both imported and introduced cases, while asymptomatic presentation was more common in autochthonic cases and infections from an undetermined source. Asymptomatic infection was more common in groups aged ⟨20 and 20-59 years, while symptomatic infection was more common in those aged ⟩60 years. In the contact matrix, 34.6% of cases (445/1287) were not tied to other cases, and 65.4% (842/1287) were infectious-infected dyads, with symptomatic-symptomatic being the most common combination. The majority of primary cases (78.5%; 1002/1276) did not generate secondary cases, and 85.6% (658/743) of asymptomatic cases did not lead to other cases (although one asymptomatic superspreader led to 90 cases in a single event). However, 63.2% (344/544) of symptomatic primary cases generated secondary cases, and 11 symptomatic superspreaders spawned 100 secondary cases in different events. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was the most common form of COVID-19 in Havana during the study period, but its capacity for contagion was lower than that of symptomatic individuals. Superspreader events under specific conditions played an important role in sustaining the epidemic.

Estratificación del riesgo de muerte por enfermedades no transmisibles asociado a la contaminación ambiental en Cuba / Stratification of the emergence risk of non communicable diseases associated with the environmental contamination in Cuba

Introducción: Las enfermedades no transmisibles representan un importante problema sanitario a nivel mundial, sobre todo para los países en vías de desarrollo. Objetivo: Identificar la variación de la mortalidad por cáncer de mama, de pulmón y de próstata y su posible asociación con la contaminación ambiental. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio ecológico a nivel nacional, desde 2000 hasta 2010, tomando como unidad de análisis el municipio. Las enfermedades seleccionadas fueron los tumores malignos, en específico los de mama, de próstata y de pulmón, y se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad acumuladas y tipificadas relacionadas con estos durante este período. Asimismo, se empleó el Sistema de Información Geográfica para confeccionar los mapas de estratificación de riesgo tomando como referencia la tasa nacional y se escogieron las principales fuentes fijas contaminantes de tipo industrial para el análisis de la contaminación atmosférica. Resultados: Fueron elaborados los mapas de estratificación de riesgo de morir por cada una de las enfermedades seleccionadas y se obtuvo el mapa de las principales fuentes fijas contaminantes de tipo industrial; de igual modo, se realizaron otros mapas integrales para explorar la posible asociación entre dichas entidades clínicas y la contaminación ambiental. Conclusiones: El análisis integral de la estratificación del riesgo epidemiológico y ambiental reflejó que los municipios más afectados fueron Mariel, Nuevitas y Moa, así como Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Camagüey y Santiago de Cuba. En Ciudad de La Habana sobresalieron los municipios de Habana Vieja, Regla, Cotorro, San Miguel del Padrón, Arroyo Naranjo, Marianao y Centro Habana.

Introduction: The non communicable diseases represent an important sanitary problem at world level, mainly for the developing countries. Objective: To identify the variation of mortality due to lung, breast and prostate cancer and their possible association with the environmental contamination. Methods: An ecological study at national level was carried out, from 2000 to 2010, taking as analysis unit the municipality. The selected diseases were malignant tumors, specifically those of breast, prostate and lung, and the accumulated typified mortality rates related with these were calculated during this period. Also, the System of Geographical Information was used to make the risk stratification maps, taking as reference the national rate and the main fixed pollutants sources of industrial type were chosen for the analysis of the atmospheric contamination. Results: Maps stratification risk of dying were elaborated for each of the selected diseases and the map of the main fixed pollutants sources of industrial type was obtained; in the same way, other comprehensive maps were elaborated to explore the possible association between these clinical entities and the environmental contamination. Conclusions: The comprehensive analysis of the stratification of the epidemiological and environmental risk reflected that the most affected municipalities were Mariel, Nuevitas and Moa, as well as Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba. In Havana the municipalities of Old Havana, Cotorro, San Miguel del Padrón, Arroyo Naranjo, Marianao and Centro Habana stood out.

Clinical-Epidemiological Characteristics of the First Patients Diagnosed with COVID-19 in Cuba.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020, the same day that the first cases in Cuba were diagnosed. In Cuba, all confirmed cases of COVID-19 were hospitalized from this point forward. OBJECTIVE: Characterize the first patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Cuba. INTRODUCTION: METHODS We carried out a descriptive, cross-sectional study of 415 suspected cases of COVID-19 admitted to the Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute in Havana, Cuba, from March 11, 2020 through April 10, 2020. (In Cuba, all patients suspected of being COVID-19-positive were admitted to hospitals or isolation centers for observation and treatment.) Of these 415 individuals, 63 (15.2%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Information was obtained from the Institute's databases as well as a standardized interview form for cases confirmed or suspected as infected with the novel coronavirus. We considered the following variables: age, sex, occupation at the time of interview, national origin, personal health history, time elapsed between symptom onset and hospital admission, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and status at discharge. We based our analysis on frequency distributions and double-entry contingency tables. RESULTS: The mean age was 50 years (range: 16-94 years). The 45-54 age group represented the largest share of cases (25.4%; 16/63); persons aged ≥65 years were 20.6% (13/63); there were more men than women (55.6% vs. 44.4%). Cubans represented 52.4% (33/63) of patients while 47.6% (30/63) were from 14 countries where COVID-19 had already been identified. All foreigners and Cubans who arrived from abroad were considered imported cases (54.0%; 34/63). Health personnel (10 doctors and 1 nurse) represented 17.5% (11/63) of cases. Cough (50.8%), fever (46.0%), sore throat (22.2%) and headache (19.0%) were the most frequently reported symptoms. Asymptomatic patients represented 25.4% (16/63) of cases. Hypertension was the most frequently associated chronic disease (28.6%), followed by asthma (25.0%) and diabetes (17.9%). Patients who were admitted to hospital ≥3 days after symptom onset represented 66.7% (42/63) of cases. Mean hospital stay was 13.7 days (range: 1-27 days). Factors associated with a higher risk of contracting the disease included occupation as a healthcare worker (OR: 1.85; 95%, CI: 0.88-3.87) and aged ≥65 years (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 0.85-3.34). Five individuals died, for a fatality rate of 7.9% (three foreigners and two Cubans; four men and one woman). Four of these patients were infected outside of Cuba and one was identified as a contact of a confirmed case. All patients who died had significant comorbidities (diabetes, asthma and hypertension). Age of deceased patients ranged from 54 to 87 years. CONCLUSION: The first patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Cuba were admitted to the Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute in Havana. They share characteristics with those reported by other countries: more men than women were affected, and comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes and asthma were all important risk factors, as was age ≥65 years. More than half of all cases were imported, and autochthonous patients were all contacts of confirmed cases.

Perfil del riesgo de brotes alimentarios por intoxicación estafilocócica en Cuba / Risk profile of staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks in Cuba

Introducción: Staphylococcus ocasiona con frecuencia intoxicaciones alimentarias; en Cuba es una de las principales causas de brotes. Objetivo: analizar el perfil del riesgo de brotes alimentarios por Staphylococcus en Cuba. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico sobre los factores higiénicos y epidemiológicos asociados al riesgo de la intoxicación alimentaria por Staphylococcus en Cuba, en el Instituto Nacional de Higiene Epidemiología y Microbiología, durante el periodo de enero a noviembre de 2018. La información se obtuvo mediante revisión bibliográfica sistémica, análisis de datos del Laboratorio de Referencia Nacional en Microbiología Sanitaria y informes de brotes de la Dirección Nacional de Salud Ambiental. Se estimó el riesgo microbiológico mediante el programa semicuantitativo Ross-Sumner. Resultados: Se identificó como principal peligro Stahylococcus aureus, productores de enterotoxina A y la determinación de aislamientos resistentes a los antimicrobianos, como Stahylococcus aureus meticilina resistentes. Los alimentos más implicados fueron los productos de repostería y la inocuidad se afectó en mayor frecuencia por la contaminación cruzada en el 31,4 por ciento brotes y la inadecuada conservación en 46,1 por ciento. La predicción de personas que enferman por año en la población de interés fue de 6 260. Conclusiones: El riesgo de la ocurrencia de brotes por Staphylococcus se estimó como alto; la vigilancia se recomienda en alimentos que requieren manipulación directa y no se aplica tratamiento térmico antes del consumo, con gestiones de riesgo dirigidas a productores y consumidores(AU)

Introduction: Staphylococcus is a frequent cause of food poisoning. In Cuba it is one of the main causes of outbreaks. Objective: Analyze the risk profile of staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks in Cuba. Methods: An observational analytical study was conducted about hygienic and epidemiological factors associated to the risk for staphylococcal food poisoning in Cuba. The study was carried out at the National Institute of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology from January to November 2018. The information was obtained from a systematic bibliographic review, analysis of data from the Medical Microbiology National Reference Laboratory, and outbreak reports from the National Environmental Health Division. Microbiological risk was estimated with Ross-Sumner semi-quantitative software. Results: The main hazard identified was Staphylococcus aureus, enterotoxin A producers and determination of antimicrobial resistant isolates like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The food items most commonly involved were sweets, and safety was most frequently affected by cross-contamination in 31.4 percent of the outbreaks and inadequate preservation in 46.1 percent. Prediction of members of the population of interest becoming ill every year was 6 260. Conclusions: Risk for the occurrence of staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks was considered to be high; surveillance is recommended of food items requiring direct manipulation and appropriate thermal treatment is not applied before consumption, with risk management actions aimed at manufacturers and consumers(AU)

Presencia de plaguicidas organoclorados en sangre, El Salvador / Presence of organochlorine pesticides in blood, El Salvador

Los plaguicidas organoclorados fueron utilizados en campañas de salud pública y en prácticas agrícolas. Su uso fue prohibido al detectarse residuos tóxicos en tejidos grasos de animales y personas y su persistencia en el ambiente. En El Salvador aún se utilizan, comercializan y almacenan algunos de estos plaguicidas. Objetivo. Identificar la presencia de plaguicidas organoclorados en muestras sanguíneas, almacenadas en la seroteca del Laboratorio Nacional de Salud Pública. Metodología. Estudio transversal de las muestras almacenadas en la seroteca en el periodo de enero a octubre de 2018, analizadas a través del método de cromatografía de gases con detector de microcaptura de electrones. Resultados. Se identificó presencia de plaguicidas organoclorados en 33 muestras (34 %); de las cuales 28 se detectaron en hombres. De las muestras positivas 27 eran de personas mayores de 29 años. En los departamentos de La Libertad (7) y San Salvador (6) se identificó mayor cantidad de muestras positivas a plaguicidas para el Dichloro diphenyl dichloroethane y el Lindano. Conclusiones. Se identificó presencia de algunos plaguicidas organoclorados en las muestras de la seroteca del Laboratorio Nacional de Salud Pública, lo que da indicios de la exposición de la población a plaguicidas en el medio ambiente, agua y/o alimentos

Organochlorine pesticides were widely used in public health campaigns and agricultural practices. Its use was restricted and in some cases prohibited when residues of these toxins were detected in fatty tissues of animals and people, as well as their excessive persistence in the environment. However, some of these pesticides are still in use, promoted, and stored in El Salvador. Objective. To identify the presence of organochlorine pesticides in serum samples stored in the National Laboratory of Public Health (LNSP). Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted over samples stored in the (NLPH) during the period from January to October 2018, which were analyzed by the gas chromatography method with electron microcapture detector (uECD). Results. Organochlorine pesticides were identified in 33 samples (34 %), of which 28 were from men. Of the positive samples, 27 were from people older than 29 years. In the department of La Libertad (7), and San Salvador (6), a greater number of samples were identified positive for pesticides Dichloro diphenyl dichloroethane and lindane. Conclusions. The presence of some organochlorine pesticides was identified in the seroteca samples of the National Laboratory of Public Health, which indicates the population's exposure to pesticides in the environment, water and/or food

Rinitis alérgica, prevalencia y factores de riesgo en adolescentes cubanos / Allergic rhinitis, prevalence and risk factors among Cuban adolescents

Introducción: la rinitis alérgica es una afección común que afecta el 10 por ciento-30 por ciento de la población mundial. Se desconoce la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo a escala nacional. Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia de los factores de riesgo de rinitis alérgica en adolescentes de 13 y 14 años. Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal. Diseño muestral complejo. Encuestados 5 799 escolares (áreas urbanas y rurales del país). Se aplicó el cuestionario Estudio Internacional de Asma y Alergias en la Infancia. Se añadieron variables para evaluar exposición a posibles factores de riesgo. Se calcularon razones de disparidad (IC 95 por ciento) y se trabajaron modelos de regresión logística. Se realizó revisión bibliográfica actualizada, periodo 2008-2013, para contrastar los datos obtenidos en la encuesta nacional con los referidos en la literatura internacional. Resultados: participación de estudiantes: 86 por ciento. Prevalencia de rinitis en los últimos 12 meses: 38 por ciento; rinoconjuntivitis, 29 por ciento. Se asoció significativamente a sexo femenino: 1,68 (1,66-1,70), historia familiar de asma-alergia: 2,02 (1,99-2,05), convivencia con fumadores: 1,09 (1,07-1,11), hacinamiento en vivienda: 1,14 (1,12-1,16), ventilación inadecuada: 1,15 (1,13-1,16), tenencia de mascotas: perro, 1,25 (1,23-1,27), ubicación de vivienda y escuela en avenidas principales: 1,27 (1,24-1,29) y 1,10 (1,08-1,12) respectivamente y solucionar problemas en el núcleo familiar peleando o conversando: 1,31 (1,28-1,33). Conclusiones: la rinitis alérgica es una condición frecuente y subdiagnosticada en los adolescentes cubanos. La mayoría de los factores de riesgo identificados son modificables. La vigencia de los hallazgos encontrados descansa en que la dinámica de las enfermedades crónicas no se observan variaciones a corto plazo. Se construyó una línea de base a escala nacional, que permitirá la evaluación de la efectividad de acciones preventivas y de control(AU)

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is a common condition affecting 10 percent-30 percent of the world population. The prevalence and risk factors for allergic rhinitis on a national scale are not known. Objective: Estimate the prevalence and risk factors for allergic rhinitis among 13- and 14-year-old adolescents. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Complex sampling design. 5 799 school children from urban and rural areas were surveyed using the questionnaire International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood. Variables were added to include exposure to potential risk factors. Odds ratios (CI 95 percent) were estimated and logistic regression models were developed. An updated bibliographic review was conducted of the 2008-2013 period to contrast the data obtained by the national survey with those in the international literature. Results: Participation of students: 86 percent. Prevalence of rhinitis in the last 12 months: 38 percent; rhinoconjunctivitis: 29 percent. The condition was significantly associated with the following variables: female sex: 1,68 (1,66-1,70); a family history of asthma-allergy: 2,02 (1,99-2,05); living with smokers: 1,09 (1,07-1,11); overcrowded household: 1,14 (1,12-1,16); inadequate ventilation: 1,15 (1,13-1,16); pet ownership: dog: 1,25 (1,23-1,27); location of the home and school on main avenues: 1,27 (1,24-1,29) and 1,10 (1,08-1,12), respectively; and dealing with family problems by talking or fighting: 1,31 (1,28-1,33). Conclusions: Allergic rhinitis is a frequent though underdiagnosed condition among Cuban adolescents. Most of the risk factors identified are modifiable. Currency of the findings rests on the fact that short-term variations are not typically found in the dynamics of chronic disease. A national baseline was developed which will permit evaluation of the effectiveness of prevention and control actions(AU)

Evidencias actuales en las propuestas de intervención local para el estudio y manejo de los determinantes sociales de la salud en la población cubana / Current evidence on the proposals of local intervention for diagnosis and management of social determinants of health of the Cuban population

Los determinantes sociales de la salud son las condiciones sociales en las cuales las personas que conforman una población determinada nacen, viven y trabajan. El presente artículo tiene el objetivo de documentar las evidencias actuales sobre las propuestas de intervención local para el estudio y manejo de los determinantes sociales de la salud de la población cubana. Desde una perspectiva estructural las variables de servicios de salud muestran diferencias entre territorios, asociadas básicamente a la existencia de un sistema de salud único con cobertura y acceso universal para toda la población. Se observan mayores diferenciales en el comportamiento de los llamados;determinantes no médicos, como densidad poblacional, producción y circulación económica, mostrando estas diferencias un patrón geográfico. También se observan diferenciales en el comportamiento de la mortalidad materna y la hipertensión arterial entre territorios y en el tiempo. La productividad económica y las condiciones de vida están poco relacionadas con otros indicadores de resultados. Ante lo anteriormente expuesto se presenta una propuesta metodológica para el estudio y manejo de los determinantes sociales de la salud. Se requieren espacios de estudio de los determinantes sociales a nivel local, mediante técnicas multivariadas cuyos resultados aporten insumos para el diseño de intervenciones integrales basadas en los enfoques de planificación estratégica, acción intersectorial y participación social. Se impone insertar en la práctica del sistema de salud cubano un enfoque dirigido a trabajar más con los determinantes sociales de la salud, para lo cual se propone un modelo para el estudio e intervención local(AU)

Social determinants of health are the social conditions where members of a particular population are born, live and work. This article was aimed at documenting the current evidence on the proposed local intervention for the study and management of social determinants of health of the Cuban population. From a structural perspective, the health service variables show differences among the regions, mainly associated to the existence of a single health system with universal coverage and access for the entire population. Greatest differences are observed in the behavior of non-medical determinants such as population density, economic production and circulation, these differences showing a geographical pattern. Differentials are also observed in the behavior of maternal mortality and hypertension among regions and in the course of time. Economic productivity and living conditions are poorly related to other result indicators. Given the above-mentioned, a methodological proposal for the study and management of social determinants of health was presented. Some study spaces of local social determinants are required at local level through multivariate techniques whose results provide inputs for the design of integrated interventions, based on strategic planning approaches, intersectoral action and social involvement. Therefore, an approach to work more with the social determinants of health is required to be integrated into the Cuban health system. A model for local study and intervention were suggested in this paper in order to attain this goal(AU)

Evidencias actuales en las propuestas de intervención local para el estudio y manejo de los determinantes sociales de la salud en la población cubana / Current evidence on the proposals of local intervention for diagnosis and management of social determinants of health of the Cuban population

Los determinantes sociales de la salud son las condiciones sociales en las cuales las personas que conforman una población determinada nacen, viven y trabajan. El presente artículo tiene el objetivo de documentar las evidencias actuales sobre las propuestas de intervención local para el estudio y manejo de los determinantes sociales de la salud de la población cubana. Desde una perspectiva estructural las variables de servicios de salud muestran diferencias entre territorios, asociadas básicamente a la existencia de un sistema de salud único con cobertura y acceso universal para toda la población. Se observan mayores diferenciales en el comportamiento de los llamados determinantes no médicos, como densidad poblacional, producción y circulación económica, mostrando estas diferencias un patrón geográfico. También se observan diferenciales en el comportamiento de la mortalidad materna y la hipertensión arterial entre territorios y en el tiempo. La productividad económica y las condiciones de vida están poco relacionadas con otros indicadores de resultados. Ante lo anteriormente expuesto se presenta una propuesta metodológica para el estudio y manejo de los determinantes sociales de la salud. Se requieren espacios de estudio de los determinantes sociales a nivel local, mediante técnicas multivariadas cuyos resultados aporten insumos para el diseño de intervenciones integrales basadas en los enfoques de planificación estratégica, acción intersectorial y participación social. Se impone insertar en la práctica del sistema de salud cubano un enfoque dirigido a trabajar más con los determinantes sociales de la salud, para lo cual se propone un modelo para el estudio e intervención local(AU)

Social determinants of health are the social conditions where members of a particular population are born, live and work. This article was aimed at documenting the current evidence on the proposed local intervention for the study and management of social determinants of health of the Cuban population. From a structural perspective, the health service variables show differences among the regions, mainly associated to the existence of a single health system with universal coverage and access for the entire population. Greatest differences are observed in the behavior of non-medical determinants such as population density, economic production and circulation, these differences showing a geographical pattern. Differentials are also observed in the behavior of maternal mortality and hypertension among regions and in the course of time. Economic productivity and living conditions are poorly related to other result indicators. Given the above-mentioned, a methodological proposal for the study and management of social determinants of health was presented. Some study spaces of local social determinants are required at local level through multivariate techniques whose results provide inputs for the design of integrated interventions, based on strategic planning approaches, intersectoral action and social involvement. Therefore, an approach to work more with the social determinants of health is required to be integrated into the Cuban health system. A model for local study and intervention were suggested in this paper in order to attain this goal(AU)

Principales características de la salud ambiental de la provincia La Habana / Main concepts of environmental health of La Habana province

Se realiza una descripción de las principales características de la salud ambiental de la provincia La Habana. Se exponen datos acerca del clima, flora y fauna, cobertura vegetal y uso del suelo, hidrología y demografía. Los aspectos del estado del ambiente son discutidos sobre la base de los principales ecosistemas existentes: el ecosistema urbano, el costero y el de llanura. Se destaca la naturaleza de los problemas ambientales y los planes de mitigación de estos, así como lo logros obtenidos en algunos aspectos. Se describe la infraestructura de salud, así como los principales indicadores de salud de la provincia y se exponen resultados de investigaciones realizadas en los últimos años que exploraron la asociación de la contaminación ambiental con efectos a la salud.

The main environmental health concepts of La Habana province are described. Data on climate, flora and fauna, vegetal covering and soil use, hydrology and demography are showed. The environment status concepts are approached on the base of the main existing ecological system: the urban ecological, coastal and plain systems. It is emphasized the origin of environmental problems and the plans for its mitigation, as well as the achievements obtained in some concepts. It is described the health infrastructure, as well as the main health indicators of the province and results of the researches carried out in past years to explore the association of environmental pollution with the health effects.

Principales características de la salud ambiental de la provincia La Habana / Main concepts of environmental health of La Habana province

Se realiza una descripción de las principales características de la salud ambiental de la provincia La Habana. Se exponen datos acerca del clima, flora y fauna, cobertura vegetal y uso del suelo, hidrología y demografía. Los aspectos del estado del ambiente son discutidos sobre la base de los principales ecosistemas existentes: el ecosistema urbano, el costero y el de llanura. Se destaca la naturaleza de los problemas ambientales y los planes de mitigación de estos, así como lo logros obtenidos en algunos aspectos. Se describe la infraestructura de salud, así como los principales indicadores de salud de la provincia y se exponen resultados de investigaciones realizadas en los últimos años que exploraron la asociación de la contaminación ambiental con efectos a la salud(AU)

The main environmental health concepts of La Habana province are described. Data on climate, flora and fauna, vegetal covering and soil use, hydrology and demography are showed. The environment status concepts are approached on the base of the main existing ecological system: the urban ecological, coastal and plain systems. It is emphasized the origin of environmental problems and the plans for its mitigation, as well as the achievements obtained in some concepts. It is described the health infrastructure, as well as the main health indicators of the province and results of the researches carried out in past years to explore the association of environmental pollution with the health effects(AU)