Dr. Francisco Durán García has announced that there have been no fatalities linked to the viral outbreaks currently affecting Cuba, countering rumors of "11 deaths in one night" in Matanzas. During his weekly update on the country's epidemiological situation, the epidemiologist noted that although there is a high demand for healthcare services in the province, the system has not been overwhelmed.
Durán confirmed the presence of three arboviral diseases: dengue, which has been consistently present, chikungunya, first identified in Matanzas and now spreading within the province, and Oropouche, which is currently on the decline. He emphasized that there is no specific treatment for these illnesses and advised maintaining hydration, using pain relievers, and seeking medical attention if severe symptoms appear.
Regarding the geographical distribution, he stated that dengue is being transmitted in 12 provinces, 36 municipalities, and 44 health areas, while Oropouche is present in 12 provinces, 26 municipalities, and 31 health areas, with a noted decrease in cases. In terms of severity, Durán mentioned that there are four hospitalized dengue patients: three in serious condition and one critical.
Chikungunya's Spread in Matanzas
Discussing the situation in Matanzas, Durán explained that chikungunya has been "spreading" across several municipalities. Despite the increased demand for medical services, he reassured that "no deaths" have occurred. Provincial and national teams are actively working in the area to control the virus's transmission.
For vector control, stratified measures are being implemented around detected cases, including sanitation, indoor fumigation, and the use of vehicles for adulticides. Patients with complications are being admitted, and contact surveillance is ongoing. He urged public cooperation in applying abate in water storage and maintaining sanitary conditions in homes and surrounding areas, cautioning that rain and heat promote mosquito breeding.
Rising Arboviral Infection Rates
An increase in febrile conditions, characterized by high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and inflammation, has been reported in the Matanzas municipalities of Cárdenas and Santa Marta. This occurs amidst a backdrop of garbage accumulation in streets and a shortage of medicines and reagents.
In response to weeks of complaints, residents have noted the dispatch of reinforcements to the Cárdenas hospital and the launch of a “more organized and intensive” municipal plan to tackle the arboviral-related challenges, including risk mapping and community mobilization.
Additionally, the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) has begun relocating doctors and nurses from other provinces to Matanzas in an effort to stabilize the worsening epidemiological situation. MINSAP confirmed that chikungunya has expanded to five provinces—Matanzas, Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Pinar del Río, and Havana—while dengue and Oropouche continue to actively transmit in 12 territories.
Understanding Arboviral Diseases in Cuba
What are the main arboviruses currently affecting Cuba?
The primary arboviruses affecting Cuba are dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche.
How is the Cuban healthcare system handling the viral outbreaks?
Despite high demand in some areas, the healthcare system has not collapsed, and measures are in place to control transmission and provide medical care.
What steps are being taken to control the spread of these viruses?
Vector control measures include sanitation, fumigation, and use of adulticides, along with public cooperation in maintaining sanitary conditions.
Has there been any mortality linked to these viral outbreaks in Cuba?
No deaths have been reported in connection with the current viral outbreaks in Cuba.