A surge in viral infections of unknown origin has alarmed the communities of Cárdenas and Santa Marta, prompting reports from locals and health sources of increased cases of high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe body aches. Residents of Santa Marta, through accounts shared with journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, describe situations where "every other house has an ill person." The community is urging more visible actions from the authorities as the provincial health situation worsens.
Witnesses in both Cárdenas and Santa Marta report severe symptoms, including temperatures exceeding 104°F, headaches, mouth sores, and swelling in knees, arms, and eyes, leading to extreme weakness and even fainting. Families note that after overcoming the acute phase, lingering effects cause continued discomfort and limited mobility.
Environmental and Resource Challenges
The situation in Cárdenas is further exacerbated by garbage accumulation in streets and corners, as highlighted by activist Kiryat Poey. Residents believe these conditions significantly contribute to the spread of disease-carrying vectors. Additionally, the lack of essential supplies is a pressing issue; caregivers and mothers urgently request basic medicines for fever and pain relief, while also criticizing the shortage of testing reagents at the Cárdenas hospital.
Even though officials claim that additional resources have been sent to healthcare centers following weeks of complaints, the public remains frustrated with the slow response and inadequate public information. Under social pressure, Cárdenas initiated an "intensive and better-organized" response system this week to tackle the arbovirus-related challenges. This includes risk mapping by local councils and mobilizing both organizations and the public in a comprehensive control campaign.
Demand for Immediate and Transparent Actions
Despite these efforts, residents question the efficacy of these "meetings" as they have yet to see immediate and visible actions in the most affected communities. In Santa Marta, locals argue that medical care is insufficient for the scale of the outbreak, calling for transparency regarding the identification of the circulating agent, as the type of virus and control measures remain officially unconfirmed.
Local health leaders insist the situation is “under control,” a claim that contrasts with the reality of dirty streets and increasing fever cases in nearby homes. Health authorities have yet to identify the specific virus or release consolidated statistics by municipality. The public demands a schedule for fumigation, waste collection, and supply provisions for primary care.
The health authorities in Matanzas assure that there have been no fatalities due to the current mosquito-borne virus outbreak. However, they acknowledge that all 13 municipalities have recorded cases of chikungunya, with 12 experiencing ongoing dengue transmission, except for Ciénaga de Zapata.
FAQs on the Viral Outbreak in Matanzas
What are the symptoms reported in Cárdenas and Santa Marta?
Locals report symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, severe body pain, headaches, mouth sores, and swelling in knees, arms, and eyes.
What actions are being taken by the authorities in Matanzas?
Authorities have initiated an intensive response system, including risk mapping and mobilizing communities for comprehensive disease control. However, residents are demanding more immediate and visible actions.
Why are residents dissatisfied with the government’s response?
Residents are frustrated due to the slow response, lack of essential medical supplies, inadequate public information, and insufficient immediate actions in the most affected areas.