A surge in arbovirus cases has compelled authorities to conduct a health "intervention" in the rural area of Velasco, located in the Holguín municipality of Gibara.
The state-controlled media, without providing specifics on the number of cases or their severity, reported that nearly 100 healthcare professionals and medical students from "Medical Sciences" carried out specialized assistance, active research, and vector control actions.
Representatives from 20 medical specialties arrived with the aim of bringing healthcare services closer to areas that are hard to reach. Meanwhile, medical students conducted active screenings to identify cases requiring more thorough clinical evaluation and specialized follow-up.
An extensive fumigation operation was also conducted in homes and public spaces.
Health Crisis in Cuba
Last Thursday, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) confirmed a total of 55 deaths and 43 patients reported as critically ill due to arbovirus infections in Cuba, as stated by Deputy Minister Carilda Peña García.
The official explained that the rise in cases is mainly linked to the circulation of the dengue and chikungunya viruses, although no new cases of Oropouche fever have been diagnosed in recent days.
Of those who died, 18 were due to dengue, while the rest succumbed to chikungunya, with most victims being under the age of 18, she explained.
The MINSAP official further noted that 43 patients remain in intensive care units, a figure that represents an increase of five cases from the previous day, and that most of the patients in critical condition are minors.
"Yesterday, 2,188 individuals with febrile syndrome were screened, most of whom are being monitored at home without the need for hospitalization," Peña García detailed during her appearance on Canal Caribe.
According to MINSAP, the dengue incidence rate stands at 8.32, lower than the same period in 2024 (12.31), although transmission remains active across all provinces of the country.
The Deputy Minister reported that 372 new suspected cases of chikungunya were recorded, with 27 confirmed by laboratory tests.
To date, Cuba has accumulated 47,756 cases of the disease, with 46,053 classified as suspected and 1,703 confirmed.
FAQs on Arbovirus Outbreak in Cuba
What is causing the increase in arbovirus cases in Cuba?
The increase in arbovirus cases is primarily due to the circulation of the dengue and chikungunya viruses. No new cases of Oropouche fever have been reported recently.
How many cases have been confirmed in the current outbreak?
As of now, Cuba has reported a total of 47,756 arbovirus cases, with 46,053 suspected cases and 1,703 confirmed cases.
What measures are being taken to address the outbreak?
Authorities have undertaken a health intervention, including specialized medical assistance, active case detection, vector control actions, and a broad fumigation campaign.