The Cuban government's ongoing public health failures have added a new chapter: a surge in fever syndromes in the Matanzas municipality of Unión de Reyes, prompting emergency measures. On Thursday, the state-run newspaper Girón reported on its Facebook page that Raydel Alejandro Sotés Carrera, the municipal director of Public Health, acknowledged that the rise in fever patients is concentrated in the towns of Alacranes and Unión de Reyes.
The most affected areas include blocks 18, 19, 20, 21, and 28A in Alacranes, as well as blocks 46, 39, 26A, and 11 in Unión de Reyes, highlighting the widespread impact. In response, a command post was relocated to the affected areas to expedite vector control and epidemiological surveillance actions—a step that should have been taken much earlier.
Sotés admitted that due to a shortage of personnel, workers from other clinics were brought in and former fumigators were hired, demonstrating a reactive approach rather than a proactive strategy. In the first week, 496 homes were fumigated, 237 focal treatments were conducted, four mosquito breeding sites were found, 28 PCR tests were processed, and 592 people were screened, with 21 displaying fever syndromes without seeking health care.
Authorities are considering temporarily moving a clinical laboratory to the most affected areas to conduct diagnostic tests, including IGM on the sixth day of symptoms, which helps identify the dengue serotype. These actions acknowledge the significant health issue in these communities, naming the disease affecting the population: dengue.
The official call emphasizes reinforcing family self-inspection, covering water containers, and eliminating uncovered vessels where water can accumulate, the primary breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Actions will continue simultaneously in Juan Gualberto Gómez, Alacranes, and Unión de Reyes to halt transmission and "protect public health," according to health officials.
Recently, a chikungunya outbreak was confirmed in a Matanzas town, worsening the province's epidemiological outlook and heightening concern over the simultaneous circulation of several mosquito-borne diseases. The situation is especially dire in areas where residents report that up to 70% of neighbors have symptoms compatible with arbovirosis, lacking systematic access to diagnostic tests and effective treatments. The lack of timely control and response has led to uncontrolled transmission in several locations.
Meanwhile, health authorities have admitted to active dengue transmission in the country, with increasing reports from various provinces, which contrasts with previous claims of apparent normalcy. The issue isn’t confined to Matanzas. In Ciego de Ávila, a notable rise in fever cases has also been recorded, highlighting a geographical spread of the disease. This situation has necessitated the hospitalization of several patients, including severe cases.
Among the most concerning reports is the admission of at least four dengue-affected individuals to intensive care units, underscoring the severity of clinical cases and the hospital system's fragility in managing such outbreaks under suitable conditions.
Understanding the Fever Outbreak in Matanzas
What areas in Matanzas are most affected by the fever outbreak?
The fever outbreak in Matanzas is most concentrated in the towns of Alacranes and Unión de Reyes, specifically in blocks 18, 19, 20, 21, and 28A in Alacranes, and blocks 46, 39, 26A, and 11 in Unión de Reyes.
What measures are being taken to control the outbreak?
Authorities have relocated a command post to affected areas to enhance vector control and epidemiological surveillance. Additional personnel have been brought in, and fumigation, focal treatments, and screenings are underway. A clinical laboratory may also be temporarily relocated to conduct diagnostic tests.
How is the dengue situation being addressed?
The government is acknowledging the dengue outbreak by implementing vector control measures, conducting diagnostic tests like IGM to identify serotypes, and promoting public health practices such as covering water containers and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.