The national health system is grappling with a complex epidemiological situation. These words from Carilda Peña García, Deputy Minister of Public Health, confirmed to national media that Cuba has officially recorded 20,062 cases of chikungunya. Additionally, there is a significant incidence of dengue and other arboviral diseases.
According to reports broadcasted by official state media, the provinces most significantly impacted include Havana, Camagüey, Cienfuegos, Artemisa, and Villa Clara, where the majority of confirmed cases are concentrated.
However, the figures acknowledged by the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) differ from the widespread reports on social media, where residents describe entire neighborhoods and families being stricken with illness and criticize the lack of medical care and medication.
The Deputy Minister admitted, "The concentration of the Aedes aegypti mosquito is very high," noting that 62% of the breeding sites are located in Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, and Villa Clara, indicating sustained inefficiencies in control efforts.
Despite claims of "active fever search" supported by medical students and intensive fumigation efforts in nine provinces, there are reports suggesting that these measures have become opportunities for local officials to profit. Many citizens report irregular fumigation, a lack of doctors and basic supplies, and avoid hospitals due to medicine shortages and overcrowded services.
The Deputy Minister also announced upcoming clinical trials in Matanzas to test the immunoregulatory peptide Juzvinza for treating chronic symptoms of chikungunya, and mentioned the "international solidarity" extended to the health system.
Yet, the gap between the official narrative and the public's reality remains vast. In a country where epidemic outbreaks spread swiftly and access to medicine is scarce, Cubans are left to face arboviral diseases without resources, without trust in institutions, and often without medical care.
What the Deputy Minister conveniently leaves out is the abundance of improvisational stories circulating online. Many people, for instance, resort to natural remedies like using papaya leaf to combat diseases such as chikungunya, a viral infection that causes high fever, severe joint pain, and general weakness.
Officially, the regime acknowledged three dengue-related deaths in October. However, social media reports suggest this number could be higher, with some deaths potentially linked to other illnesses.
Understanding Chikungunya in Cuba
What is the current chikungunya situation in Cuba?
Cuba has officially reported 20,062 cases of chikungunya, with significant outbreaks also involving dengue and other arboviral diseases.
Which areas in Cuba are most affected by chikungunya?
The provinces of Havana, Camagüey, Cienfuegos, Artemisa, and Villa Clara are experiencing the highest concentration of chikungunya cases.
How is the Cuban government responding to the chikungunya outbreak?
The government claims to conduct active fever searches and intensive fumigation, though there are reports of irregular implementation and lack of medical resources.