Last week, Cuba witnessed a significant surge in fever cases nationwide, with the surveillance system documenting over 13,000 non-specific febrile cases within just seven days (13,071). This uptick signals active arbovirus circulation and places the fever endemic corridor at epidemic levels. During the weekly televised update, Vice Minister of Health Carilda Peña García highlighted an increase in fever cases across almost all regions, except for Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Las Tunas, Holguín, and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud.
The situation with dengue is worsening, as the national rate climbed to 24.3 per 100,000 inhabitants. The most affected provinces include Guantánamo, Matanzas, Ciego de Ávila, La Habana, and Cienfuegos, followed by Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, and Camagüey. Meanwhile, Chikungunya remains a concern, present in nearly all regions except Las Tunas, Mayabeque, and Isla de la Juventud, where strong transmission evidence is lacking.
The surge in viral circulation has resulted in more severe cases; 16 additional patients required care in intensive units compared to the previous week. Seven critical cases were managed throughout the week, concluding with one patient still in critical condition. Health authorities warned that the risk of severe illness increases for individuals reinfected with a different serotype, with dengue type 4 currently predominating after years of type 3 dominance.
Efforts to curb the diseases involve using adulticides in the hardest-hit areas, aiming to cover the human population within 15–20 days, based on availability. Approximately 12 high-efficiency vehicles ("those that produce smoke on the streets") are in operation, and abate is being reinforced for water containers. These actions are contingent upon fuel allocations and the acquisition of new equipment. Provincial and municipal temporary groups have been activated to coordinate sanitation, vector control, and intersectoral support.
The Public Health sector has urged maintaining environments free of breeding grounds, particularly in schools, workplaces, and homes. Unlike the COVID-19 response, no lockdowns are planned, as transmission occurs via the Aedes mosquito, not person to person; the focus is on eliminating larvae and reducing vectors. The Vice Minister emphasized monitoring fever patterns in high-rate areas, service saturation due to severe cases, and the impact of fumigation and abate cycles on vector indices.
Cuba is now in an epidemiological alert scenario due to arboviruses, with more than 13,000 fever cases in a single week, rising dengue, and a predominance of serotype 4. Authorities are deploying intensive fumigation and larval control, urging enhanced environmental hygiene to interrupt transmission.
In the midst of one of the most challenging epidemiological situations in recent years, with active virus transmission across several provinces and hospitals nearing capacity, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz assures that the country "can indeed" manage the health crisis caused by dengue.
Key Questions on Cuba's Epidemiological Alert
What is causing the current epidemiological alert in Cuba?
The alert is due to a significant rise in fever cases, indicating active arbovirus circulation, with a particular increase in dengue cases, especially with serotype 4.
Which areas in Cuba are most affected by the dengue outbreak?
The provinces facing the most severe situation include Guantánamo, Matanzas, Ciego de Ávila, La Habana, and Cienfuegos.
How is Cuba addressing the rise in fever and dengue cases?
Cuban authorities are implementing intensive fumigation and larval control measures, along with reinforcing environmental hygiene to cut down the mosquito population.
Is there a plan for lockdowns due to the dengue outbreak?
No lockdowns are planned, as the transmission of dengue does not occur person to person but through mosquito bites. The focus is on eliminating mosquito larvae.