Matanzas reports few cases of dengue but maintains heightened surveillance for yellow fever

Although the province of Matanzas does not have active transmission of dengue, local health authorities maintain an extreme epidemiological alert due to the increasing risk of imported yellow fever, as confirmed by public health officials.

In statements to the weekly Girón, Dr. Andrés Lamas, director of the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology, reported that to date, dengue diagnoses are at their lowest in the past six years, with between 50 and 90 fever cases weekly and “very few” reactive IgM tests.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged the presence of isolated cases in the municipalities of Martí, Jagüey Grande, Colón, and Calimete, which, as every year, are beginning to emerge without sustained transmission being confirmed yet.

"We have no cases of severe dengue and the number of hospitalized patients is minimal, mostly children. This year, only three confirmed cases of Oropouche have been reported, a disease identified by the IPK that rarely progresses to severe forms," explained the specialist.

Yellow fever on the radar: imported risk from South America

Attention is now focused on a disease that was eradicated in Cuba decades ago: yellow fever. The reason is a significant outbreak in the Amazon region of countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, where Cuban cooperators are working. Although they are vaccinated, the risk of importation is real.

Lamas emphasized that a strict control system has been established at the border and in health areas to monitor travelers coming from those regions. “We have structured protocols in place to respond to a potential case, ranging from vector and clinical surveillance to hygiene and epidemiological measures.”

General situation: EDA, respiratory viruses, and the shadow of COVID-19

Regarding acute diarrheal diseases (ADD), the province is not facing an epidemic situation, although there is an observed increase in cases, particularly during the summer. In the 13 de Marzo neighborhood of Cárdenas, an outbreak of hepatitis is already showing a declining trend, thanks—according to Lamas—to swift healthcare intervention and environmental improvements.

In contrast, acute respiratory infections increase significantly during the summer season, and although COVID-19 diagnoses have been scarce this year, health authorities insist on remaining vigilant, as other viruses such as H1N1 or respiratory syncytial virus continue to circulate and can cause severe pneumonia, particularly in children and vulnerable individuals.

A few days ago, the Ministry of Public Health also raised the alarm about the likely circulation in Cuba of the XFG subvariant of the coronavirus, known as Stratus, which is a descendant of Omicron.

Although it has not been officially detected, Dr. Francisco Durán stated that its presence in the country is very likely due to its high transmissibility in the asymptomatic phase.

Recommendations to the population

The authorities reiterated the need to seek medical attention in case of symptoms such as sudden onset fever, general malaise, or respiratory signs. They also urged the continued use of face masks in closed places when experiencing flu-like symptoms, frequent handwashing, and heightened hygiene regarding water and food.

In a national context marked by healthcare deficiencies, structural precariousness, and environmental deterioration, epidemiological surveillance remains the last line of defense against outbreaks that could overwhelm the already fragile public health services.

Frequently asked questions about disease outbreaks in Matanzas and their health surveillance