Francisco Durán García, national director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), appeared on Cuban television this Wednesday to report, as he does each week, on the current state of the epidemiological landscape on the island.
The doctor Durán García stated that dengue continues to be the most complex arbovirus circulating in the country and urged people to consult a doctor at the first sign of fever.
It was reported that, at this time, there are two people with dengue reported as severe in the country, although the province where the patients reside was not specified nor was additional information provided about the cases.
"Anyone with a fever should not take it lightly; they should see their doctor to determine the appropriate course of action," he warned.
Dengue remains present in six provinces, seven municipalities, and seven health areas.
The presence of the Oropouche virus is more widespread, with its circulation confirmed in 11 provinces, 23 municipalities, and 28 health areas.
However, despite its higher prevalence compared to dengue, the fundamental difference is that the manifestation of this disease is less severe.
Durán García also referred to Chikungunya, which remains active in two popular neighborhoods of the municipality of Perico, in Matanzas.
The epidemiologist noted that this disease also causes fever accompanied by severe joint pain in the ankles and knees, although it typically does not lead to serious cases.
Finally, Francisco Durán downplayed the rising alarm on social media regarding a possible increase in the new variant of COVID-19.
He denied that there are "overwhelmed hospitals" due to coronavirus in Cuba and reiterated that there is no significant increase in cases, although he did not provide any figures.
In his latest address, Dr. Francisco Durán García continued his usual tendency to downplay the real impact of the epidemiological situation in Cuba, minimizing public concern despite the multiple active outbreaks in the country.
His statements contrast with the reality faced by many areas, where fumigation has not occurred for years, street cleaning and maintenance of common areas are inadequate, and environmental and sanitary conditions remain conducive to the proliferation of vectors, facilitating the spread of diseases such as dengue, Oropouche, and chikungunya.
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