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The Ministry of Health of Argentina confirmed that there are imported cases of dengue from Cuba, amidst an alarming increase of the disease in that South American country.
The news was conveyed through the latest National Epidemiological Bulletin (BEN), where authorities warned that, of the 2,845 confirmed cases from 2024 until March 25, 72 were imported from Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Thailand, India, Peru, Paraguay, and Colombia.
These are patients who traveled to those countries and were infected with the virus upon entering Argentina.
So far, the exact number of infections corresponding to each country has not been specified, but the Argentine government has insisted on the need to avoid traveling to nations with a complex epidemiological situation.
In Cuba, the disease continues to be a threat. Currently, there are more than 2,400 individuals hospitalized, primarily due to dengue, because of "the severity that this disease can have," as warned by Dr. Francisco Durán García, national director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Public Health.
Dengue transmission is ongoing in three provinces, four municipalities, and four health areas. The Oropouche virus is also circulating in Cuba in seven provinces and ten municipalities.
Although the authorities reported a decrease in cases of dengue and Oropouche, they acknowledged that certain risks persisted due to climatic conditions.
Two weeks ago, authorities acknowledged that a Cuban resident in the province of Las Tunas is hospitalized in critical condition due to dengue, prompting them to urge people to "not let their guard down" and seek medical attention at any signs indicative of illness.
Years ago, the rise in dengue cases in Cuba raised concerns for governments around the world, which included the Caribbean nation in their lists of countries with high health risks.
Spain, France, Italy, and Canada reported imported cases from Cuba in the past, while authorities in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom joined in the alert to their citizens traveling or planning to travel to the island.
Frequently asked questions about dengue imported from Cuba and the epidemiological situation on the island
How many cases of dengue imported from Cuba have been confirmed in Argentina?
The Ministry of Health of Argentina has reported cases of dengue imported from several countries, including Cuba, but the exact number of cases from each country has not been specified. In total, 72 imported cases have been confirmed from countries such as Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Thailand, India, Peru, Paraguay, and Colombia.
What is the current situation of dengue in Cuba?
In Cuba, dengue transmission remains active in three provinces, four municipalities, and four health areas. There are more than 2,400 people hospitalized mainly due to dengue, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Weather conditions and inadequate vector control continue to pose a challenge to eradicating this disease on the island.
How can Cubans prevent dengue and the Oropouche virus?
The Cuban population can prevent these diseases by keeping their surroundings clean, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and using mosquito nets and repellents. It is crucial to seek medical attention for any symptoms to receive an accurate diagnosis and avoid health complications.
What challenges does Cuba face in controlling dengue and Oropouche?
Cuba is facing a serious health crisis due to the lack of resources for vector control, such as fumigation. Structural issues, such as inadequate waste collection and sanitation, facilitate the proliferation of disease-carrying mosquitoes, which perpetuates the transmission of these illnesses on the island.
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