Dengue and Chikungunya Statistics in Cuba: Official Numbers Fall Short of Reality

Dr. Francisco Durán García, the national director of Epidemiology at the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, acknowledged on state television that the reported cases of dengue and chikungunya do not accurately represent the true situation. Many individuals affected by these diseases do not seek medical help, resulting in underreporting.

During his appearance on the Cuban Television program Buenos Días, Durán stated, "The statistics often don't align with reality because many individuals avoid medical consultation." This acknowledgment highlights the gap between official data and the actual health crisis.

Current Epidemic Challenges

Cuba is currently facing a significant epidemiological crisis. Dengue is actively spreading, and chikungunya is rapidly proliferating across all provinces. Just the previous day, 1,706 individuals were identified with nonspecific febrile syndrome, and 3,226 were admitted for care, with 84.1% receiving home-based treatment. In total, 47,125 patients are hospitalized in various health facilities.

Chikungunya has emerged as the most pressing health concern, given the number of cases and the severity of symptoms. On just one day, 3,103 suspected cases were reported—a number deemed high for a single day. The disease is notably impacting areas such as Camagüey, Sancti Spíritus, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Villa Clara, Artemisa, Havana, Guantánamo, and Granma.

Impact on Healthcare Resources

Currently, there are 2,216 individuals hospitalized with confirmed chikungunya, including 126 in hospitals and 63 in intensive care units. Among these, 44 are in serious condition, and 19 are critically ill, all under 18, highlighting the virus's toll on children.

Dengue remains endemic in Cuba, affecting 14 provinces and 43 municipalities, and has led to fatalities in past and current outbreaks, although no updated death toll was provided. Granma province is witnessing new outbreaks in Bayamo and Río Cauto, alongside existing ones.

Emerging Health Threats

Dr. Durán also addressed the Oropouche virus, identified in Cuba for the first time earlier this year. Despite initial concerns over its rapid spread, no new cases have been detected since September. Nonetheless, epidemiological surveillance and testing continue nationwide.

While attempting to downplay Oropouche, Durán emphasized that chikungunya remains the primary health challenge. Meanwhile, the Aedes aegypti mosquito infestation rate is at 0.70%, a level considered high and indicative of significant transmission risk.

The ongoing challenges in vector control are evident, as only 79% of planned fumigation efforts have been completed. In several provinces, including Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Matanzas, and Sancti Spíritus, insecticide treatments have been halted due to equipment breakdowns or resource shortages.

Hospital Capacity and Public Desperation

Durán stated that there are 3,703 beds available for chikungunya patients and assured that no patients needing hospitalization are turned away. However, the reality of medicine shortages in hospitals often forces patients to remain at home.

The epidemic has led to widespread desperation, with many Cubans experiencing intense pain and frustration over the slow healthcare response. Durán recounted an encounter with a patient in Havana who was overwhelmed by her symptoms, reflecting the broader anxiety and suffering.

Despite these challenges, Durán urged the public to stay calm, acknowledging the difficulty of providing reassurance to those enduring severe pain.

Contrary to rumors, Durán denied the presence of the West Nile virus in Cuba, stating that the Institute of Tropical Medicine has found no cases despite extensive testing, though other arboviruses are present.

Durán's admission that official numbers do not paint the full picture is rare in the regime's public narrative, often characterized by data manipulation or downplaying health crises. This acknowledgment aligns with reports from doctors and citizens on social media, illustrating a worsening healthcare crisis in Cuba, where resources are insufficient to manage a swiftly expanding epidemic.

The Ministry of Public Health continues to report partial figures and advocate for self-care, while the population grapples with medication shortages, ineffective fumigation, and overwhelmed hospitals. Recent accounts from various provinces describe crowded polyclinics, extensive wait times, and patients opting for home treatment due to lack of care.