In response to the identification of three imported chikungunya cases among travelers coming from Cuba, health authorities in the Dominican Republic have initiated special protocols at Joaquín Balaguer airport. This action has heightened the alert level for the country's epidemiological teams.
According to reports from El Nuevo Diario, medical personnel have been stationed since Thursday to greet each arriving passenger from the island. They conduct interviews, perform health checks, and verify contact information in a bid to prevent any potential local transmission.
Travelers are questioned about any symptoms experienced in the last 72 hours, and their contact details, both in Cuba and the Dominican Republic, are recorded. If a passenger exhibits symptoms such as high fever, severe joint pain, or rashes, the case is reported immediately to the Ministry of Health.
Dr. María Isabel Martínez, who is coordinating part of the operation, explained to Noticias Sin that the primary goal is to minimize the risk of undetected individuals in the incubation period entering the country. “If we encounter any suspicious symptoms, the protocol is activated without delay,” she emphasized.
Health Minister Víctor Atallah reassured the public that there is no local transmission of the virus in the Dominican Republic. He urged calm, yet acknowledged that the detection underscores the effectiveness and necessity of the epidemiological surveillance system.
Preventive alerts have been dispatched to health centers nationwide, in case travelers develop symptoms days after entering Dominican territory.
This concern arises amidst a challenging regional backdrop, as Cuba is experiencing a severe epidemiological crisis. Thousands are afflicted with undiagnosed fevers, there is a continuous increase in chikungunya and dengue cases, and entire provinces are in epidemic phases.
Cuba has reported over 35,000 chikungunya cases this year and admits to deficiencies in preventing the mosquito-borne disease, along with significant underreporting of unspecified fevers.
The enhanced measures at Dominican airports reflect regional fears that Cuba's health crisis could lead to outbreaks in neighboring nations. Meanwhile, medical teams remain vigilant at the airport, while authorities stress the importance of not self-medicating, seeking medical attention for suspicious symptoms, and maintaining community surveillance to prevent the virus's reintroduction.
Dominican Republic's Response to Chikungunya Threat
What measures has the Dominican Republic implemented at airports?
The Dominican Republic has set up medical teams at airports to interview and examine passengers arriving from Cuba. They verify contact information and screen for symptoms, reporting any suspicious cases to the Ministry of Health immediately.
Why is there concern about chikungunya cases from Cuba?
The concern arises because Cuba is facing a severe epidemiological crisis with a surge in chikungunya and dengue cases, which poses a risk of spreading to neighboring countries like the Dominican Republic.
How is the Dominican Republic ensuring public safety regarding chikungunya?
The country is ensuring public safety by strengthening airport screening, issuing alerts to health centers, and advising the public to seek medical care for symptoms and avoid self-medication.