In the past week, the province of Matanzas recorded over 3,100 medical consultations for acute respiratory infections (ARI). Although authorities describe this figure as "normal" for this time of year, it has led to the implementation of stricter health measures, including the mandatory use of face masks in medical consultations.
According to the Cuban News Agency, this issue was discussed during a meeting involving Public Health officials and representatives from the Communist Party and provincial government. They acknowledged the seasonal increase in these illnesses, which are typical between December and February.
Andrés Lamas Acevedo, director of the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology, indicated that the province is currently transitioning from the so-called endemic success channel to the safety channel—a formal classification that, he assured, does not signal a public health alarm.
The official noted that there have been no reports of severe or critical cases in hospitals and that there are enough beds available, even fewer than the same period last year. However, he admitted to a rise in cases in the municipality of Jovellanos but did not provide specific numbers or causes.
Despite the official stance of control, Mario Sabines Lorenzo, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Matanzas, called for reinforced health discipline within Public Health centers and supported the decision to mandate the use of face masks in ARI consultations.
"Any measures taken to prevent infections are welcome. We cannot assume that just because the presence of H3N2 has not yet been confirmed in Cuba, it won't eventually appear," Sabines warned, referring to the uptick in Influenza A (H3N2) cases in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the Americas.
Authorities also confirmed enhanced clinical-epidemiological surveillance, amid the international spread of new virus variants, although their presence in Cuba has not been officially verified.
The influx of thousands of patients in just one week and the tightening of preventive measures highlight the increasing pressure on the Public Health system. This system is already strained by resource, personnel, and diagnostic capacity limitations, despite official attempts to portray the situation as under control.
FAQs on the Respiratory Infections Situation in Matanzas
What measures are being reinforced in Matanzas due to respiratory infections?
The province has mandated the use of face masks in medical consultations and is enhancing clinical-epidemiological surveillance.
Are there any severe respiratory infection cases reported in Matanzas?
No severe or critical cases have been reported in hospitals, and there is sufficient bed availability.
What is the significance of the "endemic success channel" and "safety channel" in Matanzas?
These are official classifications that indicate the province's current state regarding health concerns, with the transition to the safety channel suggesting no immediate health alarm.