Report on the large-scale poisoning of tourists in Cuba
A presumed mass food poisoning incident involving dozens of Russian tourists at the Iberostar Selection Varadero 5-star hotel in Cuba has sparked controversy, although no official confirmation has been made[1]. Reports of the incident, which allegedly occurred after consuming grilled shrimp and salmon, have been circulating on a Russian Telegram channel SHOT and various Russian media outlets such as Gazeta, Vechernyaya Moskva, RBC, and TASS.
The incident is said to have occurred when several Russian guests reported symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, and fever hours after dinner. Some tourists described the seafood as unappetizing when served, but the hotel allegedly did not take action, suggesting the symptoms were due to "adjustment to the local cuisine."
However, it's important to note that this incident remains unconfirmed officially. No Cuban authorities' statement validating the mass poisoning incident appears in the current information. Additionally, a gastroenterologist cited in the reports explained the poisoning might be due to spoiled seafood or bacterial toxins, which can be dangerous if untreated.
In contrast, another woman who recently returned from the hotel confirmed that no one fell ill during her stay. Furthermore, no messages about food poisoning have been received from tourists about the Iberostar Selection Varadero 5* hotel, and no reports have been received by the Russian Union of Tourism Industry (RST) or tour operators or insurers from affected Russian tourists at the resort.
Despite the lack of official confirmation, numerous posts about a mass food poisoning incident have been made on social media regarding the same hotel in Cuba. One tourist currently staying at the Iberostar Selection Varadero 5* reported eating seafood daily without any health issues. It's possible that the recent post was inspired by the earlier one in mid-July.
As of now, the exact number of affected tourists and the specific date for the incident remain unclear. However, it's crucial to emphasize that the reports of the mass food poisoning incident at the Iberostar Selection Varadero 5* hotel in Cuba remain a reported and controversial claim without definitive official verification.
[1] References: Russian Telegram channel SHOT and various Russian media outlets such as Gazeta, Vechernyaya Moskva, RBC, and TASS.
- The controversy over the reported mass food poisoning incident at the Iberostar Selection Varadero 5-star hotel in Cuba raises questions within the realm of health-and-wellness and food-and-drink, as well as general news.
- If officially confirmed, this incident could have significant implications for the hotel's reputation in the lifestyle and hospitality sectors, as well as sparking conversations around crime-and-justice, should negligence be found.
- Meanwhile, the continuous stream of conflicting reports on social media serves as a reminder of the rapid spread of information in today's digital age, blurring the lines between fact and speculation in the realm of science and beyond.
