A concerning bedbug infestation has begun to spread in schools in Santiago de Cuba, causing alarm among parents and students.
Among the affected schools is the seminternado Raúl Gómez García, located in the Abel Santamaría neighborhood, popularly known as El Salao, where multiple cases of stings among students have already been reported.
According to reports shared on social media by the independent communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, a visibly upset mother sent images showing the marks left on her daughter's arm after a school day.
“It is infested with bedbugs, the children are getting bitten on the tables and chairs, and the teachers along with the administration know about it and don't close the school. The pest control is ineffective,” stated the mother in her complaint message.
This is not the first time an infestation of this kind has been reported at this educational institution. According to testimonies, previous fumigations have only managed to control the pest temporarily, as the problem frequently reappears. In light of this situation, some parents have requested more drastic measures, such as the complete removal of contaminated school furniture.
"Many parents have urged the administration to throw out all the furniture and set it on fire," the complaint states, although this measure has been dismissed by the Provincial Education Directorate.
From the citizen reporting platform, an urgent call was made to local authorities, especially to the Secretary of the Communist Party, Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, and to the governor, Manuel Falcón Hernández, to intervene immediately in eradicating this issue that jeopardizes the health of students.
"We demand that you act promptly to eradicate this situation from all institutions in the province," concludes the message disseminated by Mayeta Labrada, who also urged affected parents to send photographic evidence and details of the schools to continue formally documenting the cases.
The situation is not any better in the healthcare system. A video shared by the family of a patient shows bedbugs crawling on the beds at Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital, while cockroaches, known as 'German', roam freely on tables within the healthcare center.
"Here, with my German friends. They're having a meeting today," a woman joked as she observed the scene.
The plague is not limited to state institutions. Residents of the central Patria Avenue, also in Santiago de Cuba, reported in April 2024 an infestation of bedbugs coming from the home of a deceased elderly man. The house became infested and the insects began to invade nearby homes.
Bedbug infestations are not new in Santiago de Cuba. In 2019 and in previous years, outbreaks had already been reported, even in primary schools, as documented by the provincial weekly Sierra Maestra at that time. However, the solutions have never been definitive, and the infestations have returned.
The shortage of insecticides and resources has been acknowledged even by health authorities, who admit to facing difficulties in addressing the problem. In the meantime, the health consequences are becoming increasingly severe: ranging from allergic reactions and hives to respiratory issues in asthma patients.
Frequently asked questions about the bedbug infestation in Santiago de Cuba
What is the current situation of the bedbug infestation in Santiago de Cuba?
The bedbug infestation is spreading in schools in Santiago de Cuba, causing alarm among parents and students. Schools such as the Raúl Gómez García boarding school have reported multiple cases of bites among students, and previous fumigations have not been effective in the long term.
What measures have parents requested to control the bedbug infestation?
Some parents have requested more drastic measures such as the complete removal of contaminated school furniture. They have suggested burning the infested furniture, but this measure has been dismissed by the Provincial Education Directorate.
How has the Cuban government responded to the bedbug infestation?
Despite the seriousness of the situation, the institutional response has been inadequate, and the authorities do not regard the situation as a priority. In Santiago de Cuba and Artemisa, the authorities have downplayed the issue, claiming it does not pose a significant epidemiological concern.
What impact does the bedbug infestation have on public health in Cuba?
Bedbugs can cause allergic reactions, hives, and affect asthma patients. Furthermore, although they are not vectors for diseases like dengue, their presence in hospitals and schools poses a significant risk to public health.
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