The province of Guantánamo is currently experiencing its most severe dengue outbreak of the year, with three municipalities grappling with active transmission, three others under close observation, and over 30 confirmed cases via PCR testing.
As reported by the state-run newspaper Venceremos on Wednesday, the municipalities of Imías, Baracoa, and Guantánamo city are in active transmission phases. Meanwhile, El Salvador, Manuel Tames, and San Antonio del Sur are being closely monitored due to a rise in febrile and suspected cases.
Dr. Alina López Herrera, an epidemiologist with the arbovirus program in the province, revealed the concurrent circulation of dengue virus serotypes 2, 3, and 4.
The mosquito infestation levels have surpassed acceptable limits throughout the region, including in Maisí and Yateras, areas previously not affected by transmission.
Guantánamo city, the provincial capital, presents the most persistent issues, with infestation rates exceeding both provincial and national averages. This indicates the spread of the problem beyond officially declared municipalities with active transmission.
The severity of cases is also becoming apparent, particularly in children, with serious cases and warning signs emerging over the past six weeks, according to Dr. López.
López noted that some patients are exhibiting respiratory symptoms along with fever and joint pain, a manifestation she attributed to a virus mutation, necessitating heightened vigilance.
The protocol mandates hospital admission for children under two, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing conditions, while other patients are monitored at home by family doctors.
Health authorities have once again urged households to take responsibility. According to López, 80% of Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding sites are located within homes, emphasizing the need to eliminate containers and potential breeding grounds.
The specialist warned that the situation might worsen in the coming weeks due to rains. The insect's eggs can remain viable for up to a year, waiting for water, increasing the risk of new breeding sites when favorable conditions arise.
By late July, Guantánamo had reported 23 suspected dengue cases and maintained epidemiological alerts in Imías and San Antonio del Sur. Since then, the situation has escalated to include three municipalities with active transmission and widespread infestation across the province.
In mid-August, authorities acknowledged a worsening situation marked by the rising presence of Aedes aegypti and cited the lack of field workers as a critical factor in detecting febrile cases.
By the end of that month, the province remained under epidemiological alert while accumulating small and large dumpsites that serve as mosquito breeding grounds, exacerbated by a fuel shortage that halted garbage collection trucks.
In June, Deputy Minister of Public Health Carilda Peña publicly warned that "if we don't undertake a series of actions, we could face an epidemic."
As one of Cuba's easternmost provinces, Guantánamo has a history of being severely affected by dengue. In October 2022, it was identified as the first area in the country to experience the outbreak, with nearly 1,600 larval deposits found in over 1,300 homes.
Understanding the Dengue Crisis in Guantánamo
What factors are contributing to the dengue outbreak in Guantánamo?
The dengue outbreak in Guantánamo is exacerbated by high mosquito infestation levels, insufficient field workers, and environmental conditions conducive to mosquito breeding, such as rain and stagnant water.
How are health authorities responding to the dengue outbreak?
Health authorities are hospitalizing vulnerable groups, monitoring patients at home, and urging households to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. They are also raising public awareness about preventive measures.