Samuel Eugenio Crespo Martínez, a 26-year-old Cuban doctor, remains in critical condition after developing encephalitis, one of the most severe complications of the Oropouche virus.
However, in the last few hours, there have been encouraging signs regarding his recovery, according to his former chess coach, Osmani Pedraza Ledón, in a Facebook post.
"Although he is still reported as 'serious', Samuel E. Crespo Martínez is now breathing on his own, he developed a rash, and recognized people. God is great, let's hope this young chess player and doctor recovers soon from the bad moment he is going through," said Pedraza Ledón.
The term "rash" is often used in English to describe the appearance of a skin eruption, often associated with a viral illness.
Pedraza Ledón, who has closely followed Samuel's progress, shared with her followers the hopeful news that the young doctor has started to breathe on his own and has recognized the people around him, although his condition remains delicate.
Samuel, a native of Cabaiguán in the province of Sancti Spíritus, has received numerous messages of support on social media since his serious health condition became known.
Isabel Simón Serrano, a close friend, was one of the first to call on the community to join in prayer for Samuel's recovery, describing him as a "good boy" and a "wonderful doctor."
The illness that has put Samuel's life at risk is caused by the Oropouche virus, an arboviral disease that has had a significant impact in Cuba since its detection in May 2024.
According to Cuban health authorities, more than 400 cases have been confirmed on the island up to August, making Cuba the second country with the highest number of infections in the Americas, surpassed only by Brazil.
The Oropouche virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, presents symptoms similar to those of dengue, such as high fever, muscle pain, joint stiffness, and nausea. However, the more severe complications include encephalitis and meningitis, both of which are inflammations of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
The scientific and medical community is closely following Samuel's progress, whose case has become a symbol of the fight against this disease on the island.
Despite the serious situation, the signs of improvement have brought a ray of hope, not only for his family and friends but also for a community that closely follows every development in his health condition.
Samuel's case also highlights the deficiencies in the Cuban healthcare system, which, according to statements by the Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, faces challenges in adequately diagnosing and treating this disease due to a lack of resources. This situation has raised concerns among the population and has prompted health authorities to issue alerts to prevent the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, the community in Cabaiguán and in other parts of Cuba remains united in spirit and thought, hoping that Samuel continues to show signs of recovery and can overcome this difficult chapter of his life.
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