In the past week, Cuba has seen a surge in severe dengue cases amid a general increase in fever incidents and active circulation of arboviruses across most regions. Carilda Peña García, the Deputy Minister of Health, revealed on national television that surveillance systems recorded 13,071 febrile cases over seven days, with the endemic fever corridor remaining at epidemic levels.
Peña García noted that there were 16 more patients admitted to intensive care units compared to the previous week, with seven in critical condition and one still critical by week's end. The rise in severe cases aligns with the increased viral spread.
Regions Facing the Highest Impact
The national rate has escalated to 24.3 per 100,000 inhabitants. The most affected provinces include Guantánamo, Matanzas, Ciego de Ávila, Havana, and Cienfuegos, followed by Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, and Camagüey. After years of serotype 3 dominance, serotype 4 is now prevalent, raising the risk of severe illness in individuals reinfected with a different serotype.
Vector Control Efforts
Chikungunya remains almost absent in all regions except Las Tunas, Mayabeque, and the Isla de la Juventud, where there is no strong evidence of transmission. Health authorities have emphasized that during the early stages of a feverish condition, it is often challenging to distinguish between dengue and other arboviruses. Monitoring for warning signs and timely consultation is crucial to prevent fatal outcomes.
In response to the epidemic, authorities are employing adulticides to target the most affected areas within 15-20 days, contingent on resource availability. About 12 high-efficiency vehicles, known for their street fumigation efforts, are currently in operation, with plans to increase water reservoir treatments to curb vector proliferation. These campaigns rely on fuel allocations and new equipment.
Community and Government Response
The Public Health Department has ruled out lockdowns, as dengue does not spread from person to person, stressing the importance of environmental management: removing breeding sites, covering water storage, changing flower vase water, and ensuring cleanliness in homes, workplaces, and schools. This is seen as a shared responsibility between the state and the community.
Authorities urge vigilance regarding the severity evolution (intensive care admissions and critical cases), the dengue rate's behavior, transmission hotspots by province, and the impact of adulticide and water treatment cycles on vector indices. With more severe cases, a rising rate, and the predominance of serotype 4, Cuba faces a high-risk scenario necessitating early detection, stringent vector control, and coordinated intersectoral efforts to contain transmission.
Understanding Dengue and Public Health Response in Cuba
What is causing the rise in severe dengue cases in Cuba?
The increase in severe dengue cases is linked to the greater circulation of the virus, particularly with the emergence of serotype 4, which poses higher risks for those reinfected with a different serotype.
How is Cuba addressing the dengue epidemic?
Cuba is tackling the epidemic by deploying adulticides in heavily affected areas, increasing vector control measures, and emphasizing community hygiene and breeding site management to prevent further spread.
Which areas are most affected by the dengue outbreak in Cuba?
The provinces of Guantánamo, Matanzas, Ciego de Ávila, Havana, and Cienfuegos are the most affected, with additional concerns in Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, and Camagüey.