The community of Cifuentes in Villa Clara is mourning the loss of Adelaida Yanes, who tragically passed away due to hemorrhagic dengue, confirmed by sources close to her family. At 63, Yanes was a beloved mother and respected figure in her town. Her passing was announced in a Facebook group, Revolico Cifuentes, where family and friends shared the heartbreaking news.
The death has stirred deep sorrow among family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and residents of Cifuentes. Many have posted messages of sympathy and condolence to her family in the group. Those who knew Yanes spoke highly of her kindness, generosity, and other admirable qualities that endeared her to many. She leaves behind her husband and children.
Dengue and Other Viral Threats in Cuba
Yanes' death comes amid a severe health and epidemiological crisis in Cuba, marked by the concurrent presence of three viral diseases: dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever, in addition to seasonal viruses. This situation has resulted in a troubling increase in severe cases across several provinces.
Recently, a young man in Cárdenas, Matanzas, also succumbed to hemorrhagic dengue, sparking alarm and outrage over the silence from Public Health authorities. The western province has been grappling with a surge in dengue and other infectious diseases, leading to overwhelmed hospitals and heightened public fear.
Official Response and Public Frustration
Despite public outcry on social media about rising infections and fatalities, especially in Matanzas, official silence persisted for weeks. Health authorities initially downplayed the epidemiological situation, denying any deaths from arboviruses in Cuba. However, this silence was partially broken when the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) reported three dengue-related deaths so far in 2025, marking the first government acknowledgment of arbovirus fatalities this year.
The announcement was made by Deputy Health Minister Dr. Carilda Peña García to the official Cuban press, yet she withheld details on the ages, genders, provinces, and clinical conditions of the deceased, maintaining a level of secrecy around the crisis management. According to Dr. Peña, these deaths were confirmed through necrological and prior clinical diagnoses.
Currently, Cuba is facing three active arboviruses: dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever. Dr. Peña noted that the most severe or critical cases are linked to dengue, although she did not provide figures on patients in these conditions. Dengue is now present in 12 provinces, while chikungunya is spreading in eight, with initial cases detected in July in Perico, Matanzas, and now reaching other provinces.
Dr. Peña stated that Oropouche is declining, but warned about circulating respiratory viruses and hepatitis A outbreaks in closed communities, without further specifics. She urged the population to seek immediate medical attention for feverish symptoms. However, reports from affected individuals across various areas indicate challenges in accessing care, due to long queues, lack of clinical test reagents, and hospital overcrowding, preventing necessary patient admissions.
Understanding the Dengue Situation in Cuba
What is the current dengue situation in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a critical dengue outbreak, with confirmed cases across 12 provinces and a troubling increase in severe cases. Health authorities recently acknowledged three dengue-related deaths in 2025.
How are Cuban hospitals handling the dengue crisis?
Hospitals in Cuba are currently overwhelmed due to a spike in dengue cases and other infectious diseases, making it difficult for some patients to receive timely care.
What other viral threats are present in Cuba besides dengue?
In addition to dengue, Cuba is dealing with chikungunya and Oropouche fever, along with seasonal respiratory viruses and hepatitis A outbreaks in certain areas.