The Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) confirmed this Wednesday that there is currently active transmission of chikungunya in the municipality of Perico, Matanzas, where high levels of mosquito infestation persist, a situation that keeps the population on alert.
According to Dr. Francisco Durán, director of Epidemiology, cases of chikungunya have been reported in the area, with no fatalities or serious patients, as revealed during his intervention for the official Canal Caribe.
However, he stated that the symptoms —severe joint pain— significantly affect the quality of life of the patients.
Work is still ongoing, it is not resolved. There are still cases in the Popular Council of España Republicana. What remains are isolated cases. And well, there are also cases in the municipality, on which work is currently being done, he assured.
In addition to chikungunya, authorities confirmed the circulation of the Oropouche virus in 11 provinces and 24 municipalities across the country.
"It is a little more widespread than dengue, although dengue is present in many places, but we are talking about transmission," he added.
Although no severe or critical patients have been reported in this case, the regime reiterated the need to strengthen environmental sanitation and the elimination of breeding grounds.
At the same time, dengue presents greater complexity, with three severe cases and one critical patient hospitalized in intensive care.
The specialist acknowledged the efforts of the fumigation and vector control teams in Matanzas, but warned that the transmission remains active and requires citizen cooperation.
"The Aedes aegypti mosquito can reproduce in something as small as a bottle cap. With the current heat and rain, the situation is worsening," he noted.
The health update comes amidst rising citizen complaints about the lack of medical resources and the vulnerability of entire communities to these mosquito-borne diseases, which have highlighted the fragility of the Cuban healthcare system.
Chikungunya is an endemic arboviral disease in the Americas, and although it is typically not fatal, it can lead to prolonged discomfort such as chronic joint pain.
According to medical data, 98% of cases are managed on an outpatient basis, and the infection provides lifelong immunity against that particular virus.
Residents of the village where the transmission remains active reported that more than 70% of the population exhibits fever, vomiting, and severe weakness, with no access to medication or medical care.
Following the confirmation of the outbreak in July, local authorities activated a contingency plan that includes fumigation and vector control, the application of larvicides in water storage, and intensive environmental sanitation measures. There is also an active house-to-house search for fever cases and home and hospital medical evaluations based on clinical risk.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Situation in Matanzas
What diseases are currently affecting the municipality of Perico in Matanzas?
In the municipality of Perico, Matanzas, there is active transmission of chikungunya, and cases of dengue are also being reported, although the dengue situation is more critical with three severe cases and one critical patient in other areas. The Oropouche virus is also circulating in various provinces of Cuba.
What measures are being taken to control the chikungunya outbreak in Matanzas?
The authorities have activated a contingency plan that includes fumigation, vector control, and the application of larvicides in water storage areas. Additionally, an active house-to-house search for fever cases and medical evaluations is being conducted to contain the spread of chikungunya.
What are the symptoms of chikungunya and why is it concerning?
Chikungunya causes high fever, severe joint pain, and inflammation. Although it is rarely fatal, the intense joint pain can last for weeks or months, significantly affecting the quality of life of those infected.
What other viruses are circulating in Cuba besides chikungunya?
In addition to chikungunya, dengue and Oropouche viruses are circulating in Cuba. Dengue is the most complex arboviral disease, with reports of severe cases, while Oropouche is present in 11 provinces of the country.
How is the current health situation affecting the Cuban population?
The health situation is causing great concern due to the lack of medical resources and the vulnerability of communities to mosquito-borne diseases. The situation highlights the fragility of the Cuban health system, especially in the context of structural and environmental deficiencies.
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