The national director of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Francisco Durán, informed this Wednesday that Matanzas is facing an arbovirus outbreak in which the "novel" aspect has been the circulation of chikungunya since June and July.
His report in the official media indicates that, despite the rise in fever cases and the intensification of health measures, "there are no severe or critical patients" and "health services are not overwhelmed."
The official explained that, in addition to endemic dengue, other arboviruses are circulating in the country: chikungunya and oropouche (the latter is not transmitted by Aedes, but by mosquitoes of other genera).
"In Matanzas, in the month of June, month of July, a group of febrile cases appeared which, due to the surveillance in our country, are being studied to determine what type of arboviral disease it could be. In this case, one we had in 2015 in Santiago de Cuba, which is chikungunya, has been diagnosed in the province of Matanzas," he warned.
He emphasized that cases have also been diagnosed in other provinces, where similar measures for vector control and surveillance are being implemented.
Regarding the vectors, he specified that Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus promote transmission in urban environments.
In the case of albopictus, its habitat includes forests, vacant lots, and areas far from clean water sources, which increases the risk scenarios.
"It is a very important source of transmission. This is what has happened in Matanzas," he specified.
Among the factors that exacerbate the situation are the accumulation of garbage, the rains, and the high temperatures, which accelerate the reproduction of mosquitoes.
According to Durán, chikungunya causes very intense joint pain and a febrile condition, but alongside this it causes such discomfort that "after the entire acute febrile phase has passed, some discomfort from a joint perspective may remain."
In Matanzas, authorities resorted to investigations, focal treatment (larviciding of deposit areas), fumigation, adulticides, and peripheral actions to maintain a residual effect and break transmission chains.
Durán emphasized that sanitation and community involvement are crucial for the effectiveness of the measures.
Regarding clinical management, he reiterated the importance of early medical consultation for any feverish condition.
He indicated that there are admissions for risk monitoring, but no severe or critical cases are being reported at this time. He emphasized that there is no collapse of the healthcare system: “collapsed” —he clarified— would imply a lack of beds or an inability to respond, a condition that is not observed today.
The epidemiologist explained the Cuban situation within the regional framework: several countries in the Americas are facing simultaneous circulation of arboviruses (including Zika and Mayaro), according to available information for the region. In Cuba, he stated, the goal is to contain and control transmission through surveillance, vector control, and civic responsibility.
The situation is worsening in Matanzas. Health authorities and government officials reported an alarming increase in suspected arboviral cases in Colón on Wednesday.
During the last week, 435 cases of non-specific febrile syndromes have been identified (23 more than the previous week). The authorities’ priority is to halt transmission through door-to-door surveys and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites.
The Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy Hospital in that municipality has 40 beds occupied by related cases and five patients showing alarming signs.
Meanwhile, of the 239 recorded admissions, more than 46% correspond to the pediatric population, according to the Municipal Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arbovirus Outbreak in Matanzas
What is the current situation of the arboviral outbreak in Matanzas?
Matanzas faces a significant outbreak of arbovirus diseases, with an alarming increase in suspected cases, particularly of chikungunya, dengue, and oropouche virus. Unsanitary conditions, such as garbage accumulation and rainfall, have facilitated the proliferation of transmitting mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti. Authorities have implemented vector control and sanitation measures, but the outbreak remains a major concern for public health in the region.
What measures are being implemented to control the chikungunya outbreak in Matanzas?
To contain the chikungunya outbreak, authorities have strengthened fumigation, vector control, and environmental sanitation efforts, in addition to conducting active house-to-house surveys to identify fever cases. Measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites have also been intensified, and community participation is being promoted to maintain hygiene in affected areas.
What is the impact of chikungunya on the population of Matanzas?
Chikungunya is seriously affecting the quality of life for residents in Matanzas, causing high fever, severe joint pain, and widespread discomfort. Although no deaths have been reported, the symptoms can be debilitating and prolonged, impacting entire families who must take on the care of the sick in a context of shortages of medications and healthcare resources.
Why is the health situation in Matanzas critical?
The health situation in Matanzas is critical due to the combination of a fragile healthcare system, the accumulation of garbage, blackouts, and the lack of resources for effective mosquito control. These factors have contributed to the rapid spread of arboviral diseases such as chikungunya and dengue, leading to a health emergency that authorities are trying to manage with limited resources.
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