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The authorities of Matanzas announced new sanitation and solid waste collection actions in the province, amidst a growing outbreak of arbovirus that has left dozens of families ill and has sparked strong criticism of the official handling of the health crisis.
"Due to dissatisfaction and an increase in arboviruses, immediate actions are being taken, such as collaborating with organizations, promoting good practices, and urgently designing sustainability with the available resources," declared provincial governor Mario Sabines Lorenzo in a message on Facebook, where he promised greater support for municipal staff and expressed gratitude for their "social role."
The announcement, however, follows reports from journalist Yirmara Torres Hernández, who claimed that “the entire province” is facing an outbreak of chikungunya and criticized the silence and manipulation of the official media, which have portrayed the issue as localized in Cárdenas.
"Don't hide the reality any longer. The people need solutions, not out-of-time notes, justifications, or Band-Aids," he claimed.
Torres recalled the information management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Matanzas, when the lack of official transparency led to a surge of fatal cases.
"Then they also tried to hide it until it blew up in their faces... No one told me this. I was here, I lived it," he stated.
The current outbreak began in July in the municipality of Perico and has quickly spread to other areas of the province. Testimonies collected on social media report entire neighborhoods falling ill, children and the elderly confined to bed, and a lack of medications to treat the symptoms.
The accumulation of garbage, power outages, and the deterioration of the healthcare system contribute to the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is a transmitter of the virus.
The activist Amelia Calzadilla also questioned the official passivity and wondered why a health emergency has not been declared. “Children, the elderly, workers, or students are bedridden with severe bone and muscle pain, weakness, and high fever. What virus is this? How can it be prevented? How is it treated?” she pointed out.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, authorities continue to hold the population responsible for the hygienic conditions of the communities.
"Community hygiene and cleanliness are not exclusive to Communal Services," wrote Sabines.
But the neighbors report that the lack of resources, governmental inefficiency, and the collapse of the healthcare system are the true triggers of a crisis that continues to worsen in silence.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Crisis in Matanzas Due to the Chikungunya Outbreak
What is the current situation of the chikungunya outbreak in Matanzas?
The province of Matanzas is facing an outbreak of chikungunya that began in the municipality of Perico and has spread to other localities. The health system has not managed to contain the spread of the virus, leading to a health crisis. Poor conditions, such as the accumulation of garbage and power outages, have favored the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the disease.
What actions have authorities taken to address the chikungunya outbreak?
The authorities in Matanzas have announced sanitation and solid waste collection actions. However, the response is deemed insufficient due to resource limitations and the lack of more decisive measures such as the declaration of a health emergency. The public has criticized governmental inefficiency and the lack of transparency in official communication regarding the outbreak.
How do the symptoms of chikungunya manifest, and what measures can be taken to prevent it?
Chikungunya is characterized by high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, and fatigue. There is no specific antiviral treatment, so management is symptomatic. To prevent the disease, it is crucial to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, maintain environmental hygiene, and protect oneself from mosquito bites by using repellents and mosquito nets.
Why is the population of Matanzas dissatisfied with the government's response to the outbreak?
The population is dissatisfied because it perceives a lack of transparency and effective action from the government. Criticism focuses on the silence and manipulation of information by official media, the lack of resources, and the inefficiency in managing the health crisis. The situation recalls the poor management during the COVID-19 pandemic in the same province.
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