On Monday, the Cuban government reported the deaths of 33 individuals due to mosquito-borne diseases, amidst a challenging epidemiological scenario characterized by the spread of dengue and chikungunya, compounded by a lack of resources to address the current health crisis.
According to the state-run newspaper Granma, Deputy Minister of Public Health Carilda Peña García disclosed that out of the total fatalities, 12 were attributed to dengue — including seven children under 18, although their exact ages were not specified — and 21 were due to chikungunya, with 14 victims also being minors, again without specific age details provided.
Peña clarified that three of the 33 reported deaths had already been included in the official dengue mortality report released in October.
While the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) claims that surveillance systems indicate a general decline in febrile syndromes, the official warned that most provinces are experiencing an upward trend, and the endemic corridor is "in epidemic zone" across almost the entire country, except Matanzas and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud.
Regime officials have repeatedly acknowledged that children are the most affected group by chikungunya in Cuba.
The number of infections is also on the rise. In the past week alone, 5,717 new cases of chikungunya were reported, most of which were considered suspect due to clinical diagnosis.
The national total has reached 38,938 patients, with 1,260 confirmed through PCR testing. Dengue, on the other hand, remains active across all 14 provinces and 43 municipalities in the country.
The government explained that given the scale of the outbreak, cases with clinical suspicions are deemed positive, a practice that is part of Cuba's diagnostic protocol in epidemic situations.
The Deputy Minister also acknowledged a rise in the infestation rate of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, reaching 0.89%, with Camagüey, Pinar del Río, Santiago de Cuba, Sancti Spíritus, and Havana among the hardest-hit areas.
As the government attempts to control the spread, the Cuban population faces shortages of insecticides, lack of medications, and a general deterioration of sanitary conditions, exacerbating the epidemiological outlook.
Understanding the Chikungunya and Dengue Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of chikungunya and dengue in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a significant outbreak of chikungunya and dengue, with 33 confirmed deaths, primarily affecting children. The government reports a rising number of cases, with a total of 38,938 chikungunya infections and dengue being active in all provinces.
How is the Cuban government addressing the outbreak?
The Cuban government is attempting to address the outbreak by considering clinically suspected cases as positive and focusing on controlling the mosquito population. However, efforts are hampered by shortages of insecticides and medications, as well as deteriorating sanitary conditions.
Which areas in Cuba are most affected by the outbreak?
The provinces most affected by the outbreak include Camagüey, Pinar del Río, Santiago de Cuba, Sancti Spíritus, and Havana, which are experiencing high infestation rates of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.