Cuba's Epidemic of Blindness : How Yankees Solved Castro's Medical Mystery.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Shields, M. B.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Folic acid deficiency.

Blindness.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (189 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Amsterdam : Kugler Publications, 2024.

Summary:

This book recounts the gripping story of Cuba's epidemic of blindness in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, a period marked by severe economic crisis and famine. The outbreak, affecting approximately 50,000 Cubans, was initially misdiagnosed by local scientists as viral optic neuropathy. Invited by Fidel Castro, a team of American experts led by Dr. Alfredo Sadun and Dr. Jim Martone uncovered the true causes—dietary deficiencies, particularly folic acid, compounded by methanol contamination in homemade rum. The narrative highlights the intricate medical investigation, international collaboration, and eventual resolution through vitamin supplementation. It also delves into the dynamic between Cuban and American scientists, offering a blend of medical mystery, political intrigue, and cultural exchanges. The book serves as a testament to ingenuity in global health problem-solving and the enduring significance of scientific collaboration. Generated by AI.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Part of the metadata in this record was created by AI, based on the text of the resource.

ISBN:

9789062999484

9062999484

9789062993321

906299332X

OCLC:

1492963912