The healthcare crisis in Matanzas has claimed yet another life, as Ariel Cabrera, an actor, playwright, and independent journalist, took to social media to announce the passing of his grandfather, Juan, in Cárdenas due to the rampant "virus" plaguing the province. "My grandfather Juan has just passed away because of the virus. Cárdenas, Matanzas," Cabrera shared on his Facebook profile, a post that echoes the anguish of numerous families devastated by the epidemic and the lack of official action.
This personal account surfaces amidst the spread of chikungunya, as confirmed by the Ministry of Public Health across five provinces—Matanzas, Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Pinar del Río, and Havana—despite authorities' claims that there are no critical cases or direct fatalities.
Escalating Epidemic in Matanzas
Since July, Matanzas has witnessed a surge in feverish cases, disrupting everyday life in municipalities like Perico, Martí, Jovellanos, and Cárdenas. Residents are battling high fevers, vomiting, and debilitating pain, with insufficient medications to ease their symptoms.
Hospitals, including the Provincial Faustino Pérez, are experiencing mounting pressure, as entire families remain isolated at home, tending to multiple sick members simultaneously. The situation is exacerbated by piles of garbage in streets and neighborhoods, power outages, and a shortage of resources for fumigation.
Public Suffering vs. Government Silence
Despite alerts from the Pan American Health Organization and the U.S. Embassy in Havana regarding the disease's risks—especially for the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses—Cuban authorities maintain that the healthcare system "is not collapsing" and that there are no critical patients.
However, reports like Cabrera's reveal a stark contrast between official narratives and the realities faced by households. "When one is hit, many around them fall too," recounted a resident of Santa Marta, a neighborhood near Varadero, where overflowing trash bins are a common sight alongside daycare centers and clinics.
A Silenced Health Crisis
While chikungunya is rarely fatal, it causes persistent joint pain and a debilitating physical state that can leave lasting effects for months. In a country grappling with a shortage of medications and a lack of information, each death—such as the one highlighted by Cabrera—becomes emblematic of a system failing to shield its citizens amid the crisis.
In Matanzas, where people now speak of a "red alert" against the Aedes aegypti mosquito, frustration grows in tandem with the rise in infections. The passing of grandfather Juan is not just a family tragedy but a stark reminder of a health emergency being downplayed by authorities while the population continues to bear the brunt.
Understanding the Health Crisis in Matanzas
What virus is affecting Matanzas and other Cuban provinces?
The chikungunya virus is currently spreading across Matanzas and other Cuban provinces, including Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Pinar del Río, and Havana.
What symptoms are residents experiencing due to the virus?
Residents are experiencing high fevers, vomiting, and severe pain, with limited access to medications to manage these symptoms.
How have authorities responded to the health crisis?
Authorities have claimed that the healthcare system is not overwhelmed and that there are no critical cases, despite growing public dissatisfaction and reports suggesting otherwise.