The national director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba, Doctor Francisco Durán García, updated this Wednesday on the epidemiological situation in the country and downplayed the circulation of a new variant of COVID-19, while reiterating preventive recommendations for the population.
During his regular weekly appearance, the specialist addressed the concerns raised in recent days about the possible presence of the XFG subvariant -also known as Stratus- a descendant of Omicron and in international circulation since January 2025.
Without an increase in cases or fatalities
Durán clarified that no deaths from COVID-19 have been recorded in Cuba since 2022 and that the number of cases has remained low or nonexistent.
However, it did not provide specific figures regarding the current presence of infections or the XFG variant in the country, only stating that the epidemiological situation remains stable.
"Indeed, in Cuba, COVID has remained at low levels, and largely due to the work done during the pandemic, there have been very few cases, and at times none at all," he stated.
Regarding the alert issued during his previous appearance, the specialist explained that his intention was purely preventive: “I made the alert with the goal of protecting ourselves from this and any other variant.”
XFG (Stratus): A subvariant under international surveillance
The XFG variant has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a variant under surveillance, being present in at least 36 countries and representing, in some of them, up to 32% of cases.
According to Durán, this subvariant has not caused severe clinical cases so far, and its symptoms are similar to those of other strains of the coronavirus: hoarseness, sore throat, mild fever, fatigue, general malaise, and even digestive discomfort, but without significant complications.
Cuban vaccines continue to offer protection
The epidemiologist emphasized that vaccines continue to provide effective protection, including those developed in Cuba.
“Vaccines protect, including ours, which have shown such good results; they protect against this variant”, he stated, emphasizing the importance of vulnerable groups completing their vaccination schedule and receiving booster doses.
"Nothing is better than having an up-to-date vaccination schedule," emphasized the specialist, reminding that prevention starts with individual responsibility.
He also emphasized that vaccination measures should include other respiratory diseases such as influenza, especially during months of higher viral circulation.
Personal protective measures: Key to preventing infections
Although he reiterated that "there is not the slightest increase in cases", Dr. Durán urged the public to maintain health discipline and adopt the following preventive measures:
-Use of face masks in enclosed spaces, queues, and public transportation.
- Adequate ventilation in indoor spaces.
-Frequent handwashing.
-Avoid going out if respiratory symptoms appear.
-Physical distancing in crowded places.
Prior warning and lack of official confirmation
In his previous appearance, Durán had warned about the possible circulation of the XFG variant in Cuba, although he acknowledged that it had not been officially detected.
“It is very likely that it is present,” he said then, alluding to the high transmission capacity of the virus during its asymptomatic phase and to the intense international mobility.
However, in this latest intervention, he did not confirm the presence with epidemiological evidence nor provided figures indicating active infections associated with this strain, suggesting that Cuban authorities are opting for a strategy of vigilance without causing alarm, focused on prevention.
Frequently asked questions about the new variant of COVID-19 in Cuba
What is the XFG or Stratus variant of COVID-19?
The XFG variant, known as Stratus, is a subvariant of Omicron and has been in international circulation since January 2025. It has been classified by the World Health Organization as a variant under observation due to its presence in at least 36 countries.
Is the XFG variant present in Cuba?
Although Dr. Francisco Durán García has not officially confirmed the presence of the XFG variant in Cuba, it is possible that it is present due to its widespread global transmission and its ability to spread during the asymptomatic period.
Are Cuban vaccines effective against the XFG variant?
Dr. Durán has stated that Cuban vaccines continue to provide effective protection against the XFG variant. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerable groups completing their vaccination schedule and receiving booster doses.
What are the prevention measures recommended by Dr. Durán?
Dr. Durán recommends maintaining preventive measures such as wearing a mask in enclosed spaces, ensuring proper ventilation in indoor areas, frequent handwashing, avoiding going out if respiratory symptoms appear, and maintaining physical distancing in crowded places.
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