Citizens of Máximo Gómez, a town in the Perico municipality of Matanzas province, have raised alarms as over 70% of its population is reportedly suffering from fever, vomiting, and severe weakness. They also lack access to necessary medications and medical care. Activist Yamilka Lafita, who is recognized on social media as Lara Crofs, highlighted that in the past three days, residents have experienced only one hour of electricity, exacerbating the already dire sanitary and living conditions in the area.
"More than 70% of the people here are battling fever, vomiting, and extreme weakness. There are no medicines available, and medical tests are not being conducted. We've had electricity for just one hour in three days," stated Lafita.
The absence of medical diagnostics leaves hundreds without proper diagnosis or treatment, as per Lafita's account. The report criticizes the authorities for neglecting the town's needs while channeling resources into propaganda and political projects, leaving the population to fend for itself.
The combination of inadequate healthcare and deteriorating basic services has left the community in a state of profound alarm and uncertainty. An urgent appeal has been made to Cuban health authorities and the international community for humanitarian aid to address the crisis. "The health and lives of Cubans cannot continue to be ignored," the report concludes.
In late July, health officials in Matanzas confirmed an outbreak of chikungunya in the Spain Republicana Popular Council, within the Perico municipality, following a sustained rise in patients experiencing non-specific fevers since early July.
Those affected exhibited symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe joint pain, and swelling, which are typical of this viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. In response to the outbreak, local authorities swiftly initiated a contingency plan to curtail its spread.
The measures implemented included intensified fumigation and vector control, application of larvicides (abate) in water storage areas, rigorous environmental sanitation efforts, active house-to-house fever case detection, and tailored medical evaluation both at home and in hospitals based on clinical risk.
Understanding the Health Crisis in Matanzas
What symptoms are being reported by residents of Máximo Gómez?
Residents are reporting symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and severe weakness, lacking access to medications and medical tests.
How have electricity issues affected the town?
The town has experienced only one hour of electricity in three days, worsening the sanitary and living conditions.
What actions have been taken by local authorities in response to the chikungunya outbreak?
Local authorities have initiated measures such as increased fumigation, vector control, application of larvicides, and active fever case detection to tackle the outbreak.