Experts from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) recently addressed the nation on the Round Table program to discuss the alarming epidemiological landscape marked by the spread of mosquito-borne viruses like dengue and chikungunya.
Dr. Francisco Durán García, the national director of Epidemiology, acknowledged the ongoing severe health crisis in Cuba, although he claimed there's a "trend towards reduction" in case numbers. He emphasized that while immunity is gained after contracting chikungunya, it is best to avoid the illness altogether.
Rebutting claims that 90% of the population has been infected with chikungunya, Dr. Durán revealed concerning statistics—around "30%, 30-something percent" have contracted the virus.
Despite attempts to suggest improvement, the epidemiologist's statements starkly contrast with the reality for Cubans, where outbreaks, poor sanitation, and lack of vector control are rampant in neighborhoods, hospitals, and entire communities.
Amidst a worsening health crisis exacerbated by medicine shortages, inconsistent fumigation efforts, and urban neglect, Dr. Durán's remarks seem more like excuses than solutions.
Key Points Discussed by Dr. Durán
Circulation of Arboviruses: Dengue and chikungunya have been confirmed in 14 provinces, with the most severe situations in Havana, Matanzas, and Ciego de Ávila, where local healthcare systems are overwhelmed.
Chikungunya Distribution: A staggering 98.5% of cases are concentrated in Matanzas, Havana, Camagüey, Cienfuegos, Artemisa, and Villa Clara—especially Matanzas—highlighting a lopsided yet intense spread of the virus.
Oropouche Virus Situation: Offering a rare positive note, Dr. Durán confirmed no cases or suspicions of Oropouche virus in the past week, indicating a possible downward trend.
Vector Control and Hygiene: Criticizing reliance on fumigation, he pointed out that fumigation only kills flying mosquitoes for 45 minutes and does not affect those in breeding sites. He stressed eliminating poorly covered water containers, trash, and scrap metal, as even a small bottle cap can harbor mosquito larvae.
Structural Problems: Dr. Durán acknowledged "difficulties in control actions," especially waste collection and environmental management, tasks that fall under local government responsibilities and remain unresolved.
Research and Development: He outlined that the scientific health committee is working on over 21 ongoing studies, including clinical trials of the drug Jusvinza for post-chikungunya arthritis, emphasizing the need for a rigorous process rather than slow progress.
Multivitamin Production: Plans for national production were mentioned, but no timeline was provided for when Cubans might find these products in pharmacies.
Dr. Durán called for community solidarity, particularly for "elderly people living alone without family," and stressed the importance of active public participation to curb virus spread by cleaning and removing mosquito breeding grounds.
His address underscores the systemic failures of the Cuban healthcare infrastructure, relying on citizen effort rather than effective state management.
In major cities, overflowing trash, stagnant water on streets, and a lack of basic resources persist. The "downward trend" mentioned by Dr. Durán seems more like an official aspiration rather than a reflection of the grim public health situation faced by the Cuban people.
Cuba's Health Crisis and Arbovirus Spread: Key Questions
What are the main arboviruses affecting Cuba right now?
The primary arboviruses impacting Cuba currently are dengue and chikungunya, with reports of their presence in 14 provinces.
How severe is the chikungunya outbreak in Cuba?
Approximately 30% of the population has been infected with chikungunya, with the majority of cases concentrated in six provinces, notably Matanzas.
What measures are being taken to control mosquito breeding?
Efforts focus on eliminating breeding sites by removing improperly sealed water containers, trash, and scrap metal, as fumigation alone is insufficient.
What challenges does the Cuban healthcare system face in controlling these outbreaks?
The system struggles with medicine shortages, inconsistent fumigation, and urban neglect, relying heavily on citizen participation rather than effective state intervention.