In a concerning update, Cuba's health authorities have reported five additional deaths linked to the ongoing arbovirus epidemic, bringing the total fatalities during this period to 52.
According to Dr. Carilda Peña García, the Deputy Minister of Public Health, who provided the daily briefing on Canal Caribe, 34 of these deaths are attributed to chikungunya, while 18 are due to dengue.
During the same report, Peña García revealed that 539 new chikungunya cases were identified: 22 of these were confirmed through PCR testing, while 517 remain under suspicion.
The cumulative count of cases has now reached 47,003, including 45,351 clinically suspected cases and 1,652 confirmed via PCR.
She further elaborated that transmission spans across 15 provinces and the special municipality, affecting 132 municipalities and 241 health areas.
Addressing the clinical severity, the Deputy Minister noted 36 patients are currently in intensive care, with 24 classified as severe—19 of whom are under 18 years of age—and 12 in critical condition, the majority being minors, including infants, newborns, and teenagers.
The report also provided details on febrile behavior and dengue: 2,049 individuals were identified with febrile syndrome, and institutional admissions have predominantly focused on those under 18, in accordance with protocol.
The rate of suspected dengue cases was 5.23, a slight decrease from the previous day's 6.52, with transmission continuing in the same provinces.
Concerning vector control, officials indicated that recent rains have hindered adulticide treatment efforts, achieving only 89% of the planned coverage, and operational limitations persist in several provinces due to a lack of personnel to operate equipment.
Emphasis was placed on maintaining abate in water storage containers, as vector infestation remains high, especially in Camagüey, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Pinar del Río.
The overall trend suggests a decrease in cases; however, Holguín and Las Tunas are experiencing the most significant weekly increases. Authorities have warned against expecting "zero cases" by year's end, predicting continued cases into January. Therefore, fumigation, sanitation, abatement, detection, and isolation measures will persist.
The dengue and chikungunya situation in Cuba is dire, with an active epidemic impacting every province.
Despite official statements of a "slight improvement," the Ministry of Public Health admits that the statistics do not fully capture the severity of the outbreak.
The scarcity of medications and the overwhelmed healthcare system have forced many Cubans to resort to self-treatment at home, leading to a significant underreporting of cases.
Understanding the Chikungunya Outbreak in Cuba
What are the current statistics of the chikungunya outbreak in Cuba?
As of the latest report, there are 47,003 total cases, with 1,652 confirmed by PCR and 45,351 clinically suspected cases. There have been 34 deaths attributed to chikungunya.
How is the Cuban government addressing the outbreak?
The government is maintaining measures such as fumigation, sanitation, abatement, and isolation to control the outbreak, despite operational challenges and recent weather impacts.
Why is there underreporting of cases in Cuba?
Underreporting is primarily due to the lack of medications and the collapse of the health system, leading many to seek treatment at home.