The province of Pinar del Río is currently facing a challenging health and hygiene crisis, as declared by its own health authorities. There are three active hepatitis outbreaks coupled with significant infestations of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, impacting several municipalities in this western region.
Dr. María del Carmen Morejón, who leads the Provincial Department of Hygiene, Microbiology, and Epidemiology, has identified the hepatitis outbreaks as being particularly concentrated in the municipalities of Pinar del Río, specifically Jagüey Cuyují, Los Palacios, and San Luis. These areas remain under epidemic alert within the endemic channel.
To combat the spread of the disease, officials advise manually chlorinating drinking water, a measure also addressing ongoing cases of acute diarrheal disease in the area, as emphasized by the official newspaper Guerrillero on Thursday.
Challenges in Mosquito Control
The battle against the mosquito vector is ongoing, with Dr. Morejón highlighting that "the Aedes aegypti program continues to report high infestation levels, especially in Guane, Mantua, Minas de Matahambre, Viñales, and Los Palacios," while San Luis and Consolación del Sur match the provincial average.
Despite lower figures compared to previous periods, there remains a "risk of arbovirus transmission," according to the official.
Rising Fever Syndromes and Diagnostic Hurdles
The situation is further complicated by a surge in fever syndromes. In the most recent reported week, cases rose by 17.8%, with suspicions of dengue, chikungunya, or acute respiratory processes prevalent in most communities. San Luis, San Juan and Martínez, Guane, Pinar del Río, and Mantua are the municipalities experiencing the largest increases.
Authorities also acknowledge challenges in diagnosing dengue at the municipal level, prompting samples to be sent to the Provincial Center for processing.
Efforts in Vector Control
Indoor adulticide treatment, which involves household fumigation, is currently being conducted only in Mantua, Minas de Matahambre, and the main municipality, depending on electricity availability. "Maintaining indoor adulticide treatment is conditional upon the energy situation," noted Morejón.
Autofocal brigades, responsible for eliminating mosquito breeding sites in homes and workplaces, are operating with "diminished human resources," although Morejón assured there is no shortage of larvicide treatment resources.
Amidst these conditions, the provincial director emphasized the importance of continuing prevention and research actions, diagnosing as many patients as possible, and maintaining vector control efforts, whether through focal treatment or adulticide, whenever feasible.
Wider Implications Across Cuba
This predicament in Pinar del Río is not isolated. In Sancti Spíritus, there have been five consecutive weeks of increasing suspected dengue cases. Meanwhile, in Guantánamo, authorities acknowledged a worsening situation in mid-August due to rising Aedes aegypti numbers and deficiencies in detecting fever cases.
The ongoing structural water crisis, affecting around three million Cubans with severe water supply issues, combined with prolonged blackouts, exacerbates both mosquito proliferation and the transmission of fecal-oral diseases like hepatitis A.
In June, the Ministry of Public Health warned of the potential for a new dengue epidemic due to the simultaneous circulation of all four virus serotypes in the country. Cuba ended 2025 with at least 81,909 infections and 65 deaths from dengue and chikungunya combined, according to the Pan American Health Organization.
Understanding the Health Crisis in Pinar del Río
What are the current health challenges in Pinar del Río?
Pinar del Río is dealing with three active hepatitis outbreaks and a significant infestation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, affecting several municipalities.
Which areas are most affected by the hepatitis outbreaks?
The municipalities of Jagüey Cuyují, Los Palacios, and San Luis in Pinar del Río are the most affected, remaining under epidemic alert.
How are authorities addressing the mosquito infestation?
Efforts include high infestation control measures, indoor adulticide treatments where possible, and mobilization of autofocal brigades to eliminate breeding sites.
What broader issues are exacerbating the health crisis in Cuba?
A severe water crisis affecting millions and prolonged power outages are worsening both mosquito proliferation and the transmission of fecal-oral diseases like hepatitis A.