In the municipality of Palmira, located in Cienfuegos, between 250 and 350 cases of febrile syndromes are being diagnosed weekly. The Pedro Kouri Institute of Tropical Medicine has confirmed the presence of chikungunya in the area, with an alarming 90% of the population now receiving home care, as reported by local state-run media.
This information comes amid a severe health and epidemiological crisis in the country, exacerbated by the simultaneous outbreak of three viral diseases: dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever. Additionally, seasonal viruses are contributing to a troubling increase in severe cases across various provinces.
Recently, in the municipality of Cifuentes in Villa Clara province, Adelaida Yanes tragically passed away due to hemorrhagic dengue, according to sources close to the family. Just days earlier, a young man in Cárdenas, Matanzas, also succumbed to hemorrhagic dengue, sparking alarm and outrage among the population over the silence from the Public Health authorities.
The western province has been grappling with a surge in dengue and other infectious diseases, leading to overwhelmed hospitals and heightened fears among residents. Despite public outcry on social media about the rising number of infections and fatalities, particularly in this province, institutional silence persisted for weeks. Health authorities downplayed the epidemiological situation, denying any deaths from arbovirosis in the country.
However, this official silence was partly broken today when the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) admitted to three dengue-related deaths so far in 2025, marking the government's first acknowledgment of deaths from arbovirosis this year. The announcement was made by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Dr. Carilda Peña García, in front of the Cuban state media, yet no details regarding the ages, genders, provinces, or clinical conditions of the deceased were provided, perpetuating the secrecy surrounding the crisis management.
According to Dr. Peña García, the three dengue-related deaths were confirmed through necrological studies and prior clinical diagnoses.
Understanding the Health Crisis in Cienfuegos
What diseases are currently affecting Cienfuegos?
Cienfuegos is currently facing outbreaks of chikungunya, dengue, and Oropouche fever, in addition to seasonal viruses.
How has the local population been affected by the viral outbreaks?
The outbreaks have led to a significant number of cases requiring home care, with hospitals overwhelmed and a rise in severe cases, causing fear among the residents.
What has been the response of the Cuban government to the health crisis?
Initially, the government remained silent about the severity of the situation and denied any deaths from arbovirosis. Recently, they acknowledged three dengue-related deaths but provided limited details.