Popular Cuban singer Eduardo Antonio, widely known as El Divo de Placetas, shared the heartbreaking news on Thursday of the passing of his mother, Olguita, in Cuba due to dengue fever. This illness has been spreading alarmingly across the island.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the artist expressed his deep sorrow and extended gratitude to his followers for their support during his mother's illness.
"Thank you to all my friends and followers who have been concerned about my mother's health. Unfortunately, Cuba is currently experiencing a dengue pandemic, which claimed my mother's life today," Eduardo Antonio wrote.
The singer added a poignant farewell message filled with emotion: "Mom, you will be the most painful and bitter goodbye I've ever had to say. Thank you for every moment you gave me, for all your guidance and values. I know you'll continue to guide and accompany me from heaven with your light and beautiful energy. Save a place for me next to you and dad. Greet my little girl Claudia and my aunt Reina for me. When my time comes, hold me close so I can tell you how hard it was being without you."
"I love you forever, my dear mother, and I remain here with your love and joy. I will need a lot of strength to move forward as I never imagined the pain I feel today could be so dark and deep. I promise not to let you down, either as a man or as an artist. I will always give my best, as you taught me, to continue being your pride, shining as an artist, and being loved by my audience," he wrote in another part of his message.
El Divo fondly remembered how he was always his mother's pride: "Your best medicine was always my success and the applause from my audience. To that same audience, I ask for their support today, and I will continue singing with a heavy heart but with more love and strength than ever. Your blessing will always be my starting point, and you will forever live in my heart, Olguita, my beautiful mother."
Amidst his grief, he informed his followers that the scheduled performances in the coming days will not be canceled.
The news has sparked an outpouring of solidarity from fellow artists and fans, who have left messages of support and condolences on his social media.
Roy García, Eduardo Antonio's husband, told CiberCuba that his partner has been unable to travel to the island to bid farewell to his mother due to limited flights available only until Friday.
Impact of Dengue Fever in Cuba
What is causing the rapid spread of dengue fever in Cuba?
The rapid spread of dengue fever in Cuba is attributed to the country's tropical climate, which provides ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for the dengue virus. Additionally, the lack of sufficient resources for mosquito control and public health infrastructure exacerbates the situation.
How are Cuban authorities responding to the dengue outbreak?
Cuban authorities are attempting to manage the dengue outbreak through public health campaigns aimed at educating citizens on mosquito prevention and control. Efforts include fumigation, removal of standing water, and promoting the use of mosquito nets and repellents.