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The U.S. Embassy in Havana issued a health alert for travelers on Thursday, regarding the rise in cases of dengue, chikungunya, and oropouche virus on the island, including confirmed outbreaks in the province of Matanzas and reports in Ciego de Ávila.
According to the official note, these are diseases transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes and sandflies, which have seen a significant increase in recent weeks.
U.S. authorities advised travelers to take preventive measures to avoid bites and to review their medical and insurance options before traveling to Cuba.
The statement urges visiting the page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where information about symptoms, prevention, and vaccine availability is detailed.
Additionally, it is advisable to consult with primary care physicians to address any questions about immunization and with travel insurance providers to understand evacuation options in case of falling ill abroad.
The outbreak occurs in a context of precarity of the Cuban healthcare system, marked by a shortage of medicines and basic resources, which raises concerns among the population and visitors.
With this alert, the U.S. aims to warn its citizens about the current health risks in Cuba and to reinforce preventive measures against illnesses that can worsen if not addressed in a timely manner.
The warning from the U.S. adds to that issued by the Government of Canada, which maintained the recommendation to exercise a high degree of caution due to the severe shortage of essential goods such as food, medicine, drinking water, and fuel, as well as health and safety risks that affect travelers.
The national director of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), Dr. Francisco Durán, highlighted that dengue continues to have active transmission in seven provinces and eight municipalities, with the recent addition of the municipality of Martí in the province of Matanzas.
Additionally, cases of Oropouche have been reported in 11 provinces, 23 municipalities, and 28 health areas, although there have been no serious complications so far.
Regarding chikungunya, transmission continues in two popular councils in the municipality of Perico, Matanzas, although, according to MINSAP, no severe cases or significant complications have been reported. The most common symptoms are intense joint pain.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Alert in Cuba for Dengue, Chikungunya, and Oropouche Virus
Why did the United States issue a travel alert for Cuba?
The United States has issued a travel alert for Cuba due to the increase in cases of dengue, chikungunya, and the oropouche virus, diseases transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes and midges. The embassy in Havana has advised travelers to take extra precautions to avoid bites and to review their medical insurance options before traveling.
What are the symptoms of these mosquito-borne diseases?
The main symptoms of dengue, chikungunya, and oropouche virus include high fever, severe joint pain, and general malaise. Chikungunya is characterized by intense pain in the ankles and knees, while dengue can lead to serious complications if not treated in time.
How is the outbreak affecting the healthcare system in Cuba?
The outbreak is occurring in a context of precariousness within the Cuban healthcare system, marked by a lack of medications and basic resources. This situation heightens concerns among both the local population and visitors, as the scarcity of resources complicates the effective management of these diseases.
What preventive measures do health authorities recommend?
Health authorities recommend using insect repellents, wearing clothing that covers most of the body, and sleeping under mosquito nets. It is also advised to review medical insurance options and consult with primary care doctors about vaccinations and specific precautions before traveling to risk areas.
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