Dr. Francisco Durán Provides Update on Arbovirus Outbreak in Matanzas

On Wednesday, Francisco Durán, the national director of Hygiene and Epidemiology, shared that Matanzas is currently experiencing an arbovirus outbreak, notably featuring the circulation of chikungunya since June and July. Despite the uptick in febrile cases and rigorous health measures, Durán emphasized that "there are no severe or critical patients" and "health services are not overwhelmed," according to reports from state-controlled media.

Durán explained that alongside endemic dengue, other arboviruses like chikungunya and oropouche are present in Cuba. The latter is not transmitted by the Aedes mosquito but by other mosquito genera. He noted, "In June and July, a series of febrile cases were detected in Matanzas. Through our country's surveillance, these were studied, and it was confirmed that chikungunya, previously seen in Santiago de Cuba in 2015, had reemerged in Matanzas."

He further highlighted that similar cases have been identified in other provinces, where comparable vector control and surveillance measures are enforced. The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes significantly contribute to urban transmission. Moreover, albopictus inhabits forests, vacant lots, and areas away from clean water sources, broadening the risk scenarios. "This is a critical source of transmission, as observed in Matanzas," he stated.

Environmental Challenges and Health Measures

Durán pointed out environmental factors exacerbating the situation, such as trash accumulation, rainfall, and high temperatures, which accelerate mosquito breeding. The chikungunya virus is particularly concerning due to its severe joint pain and fever, often leaving lingering joint discomfort even after the acute febrile phase subsides.

In response, Matanzas authorities have intensified efforts through household inspections, focal treatments like water container abatement, fumigation, and the use of adulticides to maintain a residual effect and disrupt transmission chains. Durán stressed that sanitation and public involvement are crucial for these measures to be effective.

He urged early medical consultation for any febrile symptoms, noting that although there are hospital admissions for risk observation, no severe or critical cases have been reported. He clarified that the healthcare system is not "collapsed"—a term that would imply a shortage of beds or inability to respond, which is not the current situation.

Regional Context and Local Impact

The epidemiologist placed Cuba's situation within the wider regional context, where several American countries are battling simultaneous arbovirus circulations, including zika and mayaro. In Cuba, strategies focus on containment and control through vigilance, vector control, and civic responsibility.

The situation in Matanzas is deteriorating. Health and government officials reported a worrying rise in suspected arbovirus cases in Colón on Wednesday. Over the past week, 435 unspecified febrile syndromes were identified, 23 more than the previous week. The urgent priority, according to officials, is to halt transmission through door-to-door screenings and mosquito breeding site elimination.

The Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy Hospital in the area currently has 40 beds filled with related cases and five patients showing alarming symptoms. Notably, of the 239 reported hospital admissions, over 46% involve pediatric patients, as stated by the Municipal Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology.