The Cuban regime has increased the official death toll due to arboviral diseases to 44, attributing 28 deaths to chikungunya and 6 to dengue. This update was provided by Carilda Peña García, the Deputy Minister of Public Health, during a televised address on the country's epidemiological status.
In her appearance on the "Revista Buenos Días" program, the official acknowledged that several minors are among the deceased. She confirmed that pathological and virological analyses, delayed for weeks, identified the cause of death.
"Seven deaths are linked to chikungunya, six of them children, and four to dengue, with two minors among the victims," the deputy minister detailed.
The last acknowledgment by the Cuban regime of deaths from the current dengue and chikungunya outbreak was on December 1st. At that time, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) reported 33 fatalities due to mosquito-borne illnesses amidst a critical epidemiological scenario and a lack of resources to tackle the health crisis.
Previously, in October, MINSAP admitted for the first time that year to three dengue-related deaths, following weeks of institutional silence and public denials in response to reports of severe cases, particularly in the province of Matanzas.
On Monday, Peña stated that the nation has recorded over 42,000 cases of arboviral diseases, with 1,460 confirmed through PCR testing. However, she conceded that these figures do not accurately represent the outbreak's scope, as many individuals either do not seek medical care or receive delayed treatment.
Despite claims by the Ministry of Health of a weekly reduction in case incidence, the health situation remains dire: 14 provinces and 49 municipalities continue to experience active transmission, with an Aedes aegypti mosquito infestation rate exceeding 0.4%, a level experts deem highly risky.
The deputy minister urged the public to remain vigilant, enhance household mosquito control, and report any irregularities in vector control campaigns, such as incomplete fumigations, closed homes, or lack of larvicide.
However, the official address failed to mention shortages of insecticides, fuel, or technical personnel, issues acknowledged by healthcare workers across various provinces.
Since the epidemic began, Guantánamo, Las Tunas, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara, and Pinar del Río have been the most severely impacted regions. Matanzas, where a recent outbreak was contained in the Limonar municipality, is the only province showing slight improvement.
The acknowledgment of these deaths follows weeks during which the government attempted to downplay the severity of the chikungunya and dengue outbreaks, limiting official information and blaming the public for the mosquito's spread.
Meanwhile, hospitals and clinics are grappling with shortages of medications, diagnostic tests, and essential resources, according to reports from patients and medical staff.
The health crisis caused by arboviral diseases once again highlights the collapse of the Cuban healthcare system, which is unable to respond effectively to an epidemic affecting thousands of families nationwide, and remains far from being under control, continuing to claim lives.
Understanding the Impact of Arboviral Diseases in Cuba
What are the main arboviral diseases affecting Cuba?
The primary arboviral diseases currently affecting Cuba are chikungunya and dengue, both transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
How many people have been affected by these diseases?
Over 42,000 cases of arboviral diseases have been reported in Cuba, with 1,460 confirmed through PCR testing.
What challenges is the Cuban healthcare system facing?
The Cuban healthcare system is struggling with shortages of medications, diagnostic tests, and basic resources, impacting its ability to manage the epidemic effectively.