Respiratory diseases, dengue, and hepatitis A are on the rise in Cuba, warns MINSAP

The Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) warned of a sustained increase in acute respiratory diseases, cases of dengue, and hepatitis A in several provinces of the country, as part of an increasingly complex national epidemiological landscape.

The information was presented by the General Director of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Dr. Gretza Sánchez Padrón, during her speech at the National Assembly of People's Power, according to a report by Cubadebate.

The official explained that acute respiratory infections (ARI) have seen a rise, with figures exceeding the national average in 11 territories, including Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Camagüey, and the special municipality Isla de la Juventud.

These territories account for over 60% of medical consultations for acute respiratory infections (ARI).

The most severe complications affect children under one year of age and older adults with risk factors and chronic diseases, Sánchez stated.

So far in 2025, laboratories have identified 17 types of respiratory viruses, including 14 of the 17 serotypes monitored by the surveillance system.

Among the detected viruses are the pandemic H1N1 influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, various coronaviruses, and rhinoviruses.

It was also confirmed the circulation in the country of an omicron subvariant of SARS-CoV-2, which, although it has not shown increased severity or lethality, is being monitored by health authorities.

Dengue, on its part, continues to be a public health issue, with active transmission in five provinces, six municipalities, and six health areas.

The simultaneous circulation of the four serotypes of the virus and the increase of Aedes aegypti outbreaks place the country in a situation of high epidemiological risk.

Sánchez warned that infestation levels remain dangerous, even in areas where no active transmission has been detected in recent weeks.

Another area of concern is the increase in cases of hepatitis A, a disease that had remained stable over the past five years but has recently surged.

The causes, according to MINSAP, are linked to the poor sanitary and hygiene conditions that persist in all provinces of the country: accumulation of solid waste, leaks of drinking water and sewage, issues with water quality and supply, and poor practices in food handling.

And although the country's healthcare system is overwhelmed and outbreaks have emerged, the official assured that they have been contained without major complications.

Regarding acute diarrheal diseases (ADD), MINSAP reported an 18% decrease in medical consultations compared to the same period last year.

However, provinces such as Havana, Mayabeque, Villa Clara, and Cienfuegos continue to report rates above the national average.

The most severe cases continue to be concentrated in children under one year old, one of the most vulnerable groups to these types of conditions.

It was also reported an increase in the incidence of tuberculosis in nine provinces, with Havana, Mayabeque, Camagüey, Granma, and Santiago de Cuba being the most affected.

The MINSAP implemented an action plan focused on early diagnosis and epidemiological control, including the application of a standardized diagnostic algorithm in all polyclinics across the country.

Dr. Sánchez also addressed the behavior of vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough and measles, which have caused outbreaks in other countries and have prompted alerts from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Cuba, according to the official, maintains a coverage rate above 95% for children under one year old, and in 2025 will officially incorporate the vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV) into the school immunization schedule, aimed at girls aged nine, with 100% of the doses secured.

The specialist acknowledged that there are weaknesses in the implementation of vector control plans, such as logistical delays and lack of territorial coordination, although she assured that resources are available.

He also highlighted the importance of the "One Health" approach, which aims to integrate health actions with environmental, food, and epidemiological surveillance policies to more effectively address current health threats.

Finally, he called for strengthening direct communication in communities, ensuring that health promotion cannot be limited to traditional media, but must reach “face to face in every neighborhood,” in collaboration with local governments and the population.

This concerning scenario is compounded by the report that as of this Tuesday, the infant mortality rate in Cuba rose to 8.2 per 1,000 live births as of July 12, 2025, compared to 7.4 recorded during the same period the previous year, while maternal mortality also showed a troubling increase.

This data, revealed by the Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, before the Health and Sports Commission of the National Assembly of People's Power, confirms the deterioration of the country’s healthcare system.

"We have seen an increase in the maternal-infant mortality rate," acknowledged the head of the department, who also reported that the maternal-infant program reflects a worrying setback.

Previously, the head of the department acknowledged that the healthcare system is undergoing an unprecedented structural crisis, characterized by a coverage of only 30% of the basic list of medications and a widespread deterioration of medical services.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Rise of Diseases in Cuba