Due to a surge in fever cases and suspected arboviral infections, health authorities have been compelled to set up an annex to the Eliseo Noel Camaño Pediatric Hospital in Matanzas. This move highlights the worsening healthcare crisis plaguing the province in recent months.
The official Cuban television reported that the region is experiencing an epidemic peak of arboviruses like dengue and chikungunya, overwhelming the pediatric hospital in Matanzas, which has only 75 beds available for patients.
As the pediatric facility reaches capacity, effectively signaling a systemic collapse, the regime has announced the urgent establishment of an alternative center at the Matanzas University of Medical Sciences. This improvised site will add 100 beds for children with uncomplicated fevers, providing medical observation under a specially designed emergency care flow.
One of the patients, Valeria, a one-year-old, suffers from high fever, foot swelling, and joint pains, symptoms attributed to chikungunya. A hospital doctor noted that, by protocol, any child under 10 with suspected arboviral infection must be hospitalized, even if clinical criteria for admission aren't met, in order to prevent complications.
Medical professionals are urging immediate visits to healthcare facilities at the first sign of symptoms, as viruses like dengue can lead to severe conditions if untreated, despite numerous complaints about the dire state of Matanzas' healthcare system, which is severely understocked.
Despite the main hospital's collapse, authorities claim that no severe cases or fatalities from arboviral infections have been reported in the province so far. On Wednesday, Dr. Francisco Durán García affirmed that there have been no deaths linked to the viral outbreaks affecting the country, dismissing rumors of "11 deaths in one night" in Matanzas.
In his weekly epidemiological update, Dr. Durán clarified that although the demand for healthcare services is high in the province, the system has not collapsed. He confirmed the presence of three arboviruses: dengue (continuously present), chikungunya (initially detected in Matanzas and spreading within the province), and oropouche (on the decline).
However, many Cubans have vehemently questioned Dr. Francisco Durán's recent statements, with numerous comments that, "with all due respect," challenge the assertions of the well-known doctor and communicator.
Understanding the Arboviral Health Crisis in Matanzas
What is causing the healthcare crisis in Matanzas?
The healthcare crisis in Matanzas is primarily driven by a significant outbreak of arboviral infections, including dengue and chikungunya, which have overwhelmed the local medical facilities.
How are authorities responding to the hospital saturation in Matanzas?
In response to the saturation, authorities have hastily established an additional healthcare center at the Matanzas University of Medical Sciences to accommodate the overflow of patients, particularly children with uncomplicated fevers.
Are there any reported deaths due to the arboviral infections in Matanzas?
According to official statements, there have been no reported deaths due to arboviral infections in the Matanzas province, despite circulating rumors to the contrary.