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In light of the recent reports of outbreaks in Cuba, particularly in areas of Matanzas, it is important for the population to understand what chikungunya is, how it is transmitted, and what measures can be taken to protect oneself, amidst an increasingly precarious health situation.
What is chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Although it is rarely fatal, it can lead to intense joint pain that lasts for weeks or even months.
How is it transmitted?
The disease is spread through the bites of mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, the same ones that transmit dengue and zika. These insects primarily bite during the day, especially at dawn and dusk.
It is not transmitted from person to person. However, there can be transmission from mother to child during childbirth, or in rare cases, through exposure to infected blood.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms appear between 3 and 7 days after the bite and include:
- High fever
- Intense joint pain (characteristic)
- Muscle pain
- Skin rashes
- Headache and general malaise
Joint pain can persist even after the fever has gone, making this illness particularly debilitating.
How to prevent transmission?
Health authorities recommend:
- Eliminate mosquito breeding sites: do not leave standing water in containers, tanks, tires, or planters.
- Use mosquito nets on beds and windows.
- Apply insect repellent to the skin.
- Wear light clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Request fumigation in affected areas.
The situation in Cuba worsens the outlook
The prevention and treatment of chikungunya in Cuba are severely compromised by:
- Blackouts lasting over 24 hours, que favorecen la proliferación de mosquitos al impedir el uso de ventiladores o iluminación adecuada.
- Lack of fuel for carrying out fumigations efectivas en barrios afectados.
- Shortage of basic medications como antipiréticos, analgésicos y antiinflamatorios, que son clave para tratar los síntomas como fiebre, dolores musculares y articulares.
This combination of factors places many Cuban communities in a situation of high vulnerability to the virus.
If you have a fever and joint pain, see a doctor. Do not self-medicate. Whenever possible, protect your family by eliminating breeding sites and avoiding bites.
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