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Cuban health authorities confirmed this Tuesday the existence of five critical cases of dengue in the country, amidst a complex epidemiological situation characterized by the simultaneous spread of dengue and Oropouche fever in various provinces.
Doctor Francisco Durán, a specialist in Epidemiology, attempted to downplay the significance of this change in the local health situation and stated that no life-threatening complications are reported in those severe cases.
"The situation is just a bit more complex. Cienfuegos, specifically the municipality of Rodas, has been added to the dengue transmission. In the case of Oropouche, there are now reports in 11 provinces, 12 municipalities, and 20 health areas," he specified.
Durán emphasized that the levels of infestation of the vector mosquito are particularly high in Pinar del Río and Santiago de Cuba, although the presence of the insect extends throughout the entire national territory.
“The clinical presentations are mostly not aggressive, but the risk of complications is always present, especially in children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses,” he warned.
The specialist also mentioned that COVID-19 continues to circulate in the country and raised concerns about new strains detected in at least 30 countries, which further complicates the health situation and the concerns regarding vaccination.
Despite the moderate tone of the official report, social media erupted this week following the news of the death of an 8-year-old boy in Manzanillo, allegedly due to hemorrhagic dengue, an event not mentioned by the authorities.
The minor, identified as Jorge Daniel Varela Veliz, passed away just three days after developing a severe fever. His mother, Yaquelin Veliz, is a well-known cultural promoter and the director of the children's project Colmenita Corazón Gigante, and his grandfather is a prominent nephrologist from Granma.
Neighbors reported that in front of the child's home, there was a garbage dump that had not been collected for weeks, which may have contributed to the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
"We all knew about the dump on the corner. They cleaned it up when there was nothing else to do," wrote a resident on social media.
This case has revived the critical situation the country faces regarding public services, waste collection, and epidemiological prevention.
The structural flaws in the healthcare and community systems are creating a conducive environment for the multiplication of vector-borne diseases, emphasized the internet users.
Frequently Asked Questions about the dengue outbreak and the healthcare situation in Cuba
How many critical cases of dengue have been reported in Cuba recently?
Five critical cases of dengue have been reported in Cuba, according to health authorities. These cases arise in the context of increased transmission of dengue and Oropouche fever in various provinces of the country.
What is the current situation of dengue and the Oropouche virus in Cuba?
The epidemiological situation in Cuba is complex due to the simultaneous circulation of dengue and Oropouche fever. Dengue has spread to three provinces, while Oropouche has affected eleven provinces, according to the Ministry of Public Health. The infestation levels of the vector mosquito Aedes aegypti are particularly high in Pinar del Río and Santiago de Cuba.
What other diseases are present in Cuba besides dengue?
In addition to dengue, other diseases are circulating in Cuba, such as Oropouche fever, COVID-19, and various respiratory viruses like influenza. Recently, there has been an observed increase in acute respiratory illnesses and hepatitis A, which further complicates the country's health situation.
What is the situation of garbage collection and its impact on public health in Cuba?
The garbage collection in Cuba faces serious problems, with waste accumulating in the streets for days or weeks. This situation promotes the proliferation of mosquitoes and pests, increasing the risk of diseases such as dengue. The lack of infrastructure and resources exacerbates this crisis and poses a direct threat to public health.
What measures are being taken in Cuba to control the dengue outbreak?
Cuban authorities have intensified prevention and mosquito breeding elimination efforts, with community involvement. The "Action Week Against Mosquitos" is being celebrated, which includes educational activities. However, the complex environmental context and lack of sanitation continue to pose significant challenges in the fight against dengue.
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