Related videos:
Trinidad, in Sancti Spíritus, is in mourning following the death of a child identified as Yoel, a victim of complications related to dengue fever, a disease that is severely impacting several provinces in Cuba.
On social media, family members, neighbors, and friends have expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of a little one who was described as cheerful, loving, and respectful.
"EPD my beautiful child, I have no words to express the immense pain I feel wherever you are… your mommy, your brother, your daddy, and the whole family will always remember you. Fly high, but very high, my prince," wrote a loved one in a message filled with sadness.
The entire neighborhood mourned the loss. “Your entire neighborhood deeply feels your loss, you were just a child beginning to grow, now may God always shine His light on you, Yoel,” shared another neighbor.
Other testimonies reveal the human impact of this tragedy. “My God, I have no words to express such pain... my sincerest condolences to your mom, your dad, and your little brother. Fly high, prince, for Jehová will hold you in His heavenly mantle as one more angel,” wrote an internet user.
For his part, another user recalled that “I saw him grow up, I spent his entire childhood with him. Chubby, healthy, playful, yet respectful and affectionate. You are leaving us, and neither I nor my family will ever forget you. I know you will be one of the most beloved little angels.”
Dengue in Cuba: seven provinces with active transmission
The death of the minor occurs at a time when the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba has confirmed the active transmission of dengue in seven provinces of the country.
The national director of Epidemiology, Francisco Durán, reported that four patients remain in intensive care, two in serious condition and two in critical condition, amid a rise in infections.
The official warned that, although most patients recover, dengue can present complications that require immediate attention.
He also recalled that the virus is circulating in a context of great fragility of the healthcare system, with medication shortages, ineffective control of the mosquito Aedes aegypti, and issues accessing clean drinking water.
The epidemiological situation worsens with the presence of the Oropouche virus, which is circulating in 11 provinces, and chikungunya, with reported cases in Matanzas.
Health authorities emphasize the importance of taking extra precautions, avoiding self-medication, and seeking medical attention immediately in case of fever, intense pain, or suspicious symptoms.
A tragedy that reflects the vulnerability of Cuban families
The death of Yoel, a boy who was just beginning to grow, is a devastating blow to his family and community, but it also serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of countless families in Cuba in the face of outbreaks of diseases that find fertile ground in the healthcare crisis and structural deficiencies.
As his neighborhood bids him farewell with tears and memories, the pain of his departure is intertwined with the growing concerns of a country struggling to contain the spread of dengue and its more severe consequences.
Frequently asked questions about the dengue outbreak in Cuba
What is the current situation of dengue in Cuba?
Dengue is currently being actively transmitted in seven provinces of Cuba. This situation is complicated by the fragility of the healthcare system and the lack of control over the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the main vector for this disease. The scarcity of medications and limited access to clean drinking water worsen the epidemiological landscape in the country.
What recommendations do the Cuban authorities make in response to the dengue outbreak?
Authorities insist on heightening preventive measures and avoiding self-medication. They recommend seeking medical attention immediately in case of fever, severe pain, or other suspicious symptoms. Furthermore, the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sites and maintaining hygiene practices is emphasized to reduce the spread of the virus.
What other viruses are circulating in Cuba alongside dengue?
In addition to dengue, the Oropouche virus and chikungunya are circulating. The Oropouche virus has been identified in 11 provinces, while chikungunya continues to be transmitted in Perico, Matanzas. These viruses, along with the presence of common respiratory illnesses such as influenza, further complicate the health situation on the island.
How is dengue affecting the Cuban population, particularly children?
Dengue is having a devastating impact on the Cuban population, especially among children. The death of Yoel in Sancti Spíritus is a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of Cuban families to this disease. The complications of dengue can be particularly severe in children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
Filed under: