An increase in fever cases and suspicions of arbovirus infections has compelled health authorities to establish an annex center to the Eliseo Noel Camaño pediatric hospital in Matanzas, an unmistakable sign of the in recent months.
According to reported by official Cuban television, the province is experiencing an epidemic peak of arboviruses such as dengue and chikungunya, which has overwhelmed the pediatric hospital in Matanzas, which has only 75 beds available for admissions.
Due to the saturation of the pediatric hospital, which effectively amounts to a collapse of the system, the regime announced the urgent establishment of an alternative center at the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas.
There, in an improvised manner, 100 beds will be added for children with uncomplicated fever who require medical observation under a specially designed emergency care flow.
Among the cases attended to is Valeria, a girl of just one year and three months with a high fever, swelling in her feet, and joint pain, symptoms attributed to chikungunya.
A doctor at the hospital explained that, by protocol, any child under the age of 10 suspected of arboviral infection must be hospitalized, even if they do not currently meet clinical criteria for admission, in order to prevent complications.
Doctors insist that individuals should seek immediate attention at healthcare institutions for any symptoms, as viruses like dengue can lead to severe conditions if not treated promptly. This is despite the numerous complaints regarding the precarious state of the healthcare system in Matanzas, which includes a significant shortage of supplies.
Despite the collapse of the main hospital, authorities assure that there are no reported severe cases or fatalities due to arboviral diseases in the province at this time.
This Wednesday, Dr. Francisco Durán García stated that no deaths have been reported associated with the viral events affecting the country and denied reports of “11 deaths in one night” in Matanzas.
In his weekly update on the epidemiological situation, the epidemiologist clarified that, although there is high demand for health services in that province, they have not collapsed.
Durán confirmed the circulation of three arboviral diseases: dengue (with sustained presence), chikungunya (initially detected in Matanzas and expanding within the province), and oropouche (on the decline).
However, Cubans have harshly questioned the recent words of Doctor Francisco Durán, with dozens of comments that, "out of respect," contradict the well-known doctor and communicator.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Crisis in Matanzas
Why did the Cuban Government set up an improvised hospital for children in Matanzas?
The Cuban government has set up an improvised hospital for children at the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas due to the collapse of the Eliseo Noel Camaño pediatric hospital. This collapse is due to an increase in cases of fever and suspected arboviral diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, which have overwhelmed the capacities of the pediatric hospital in the province.
What is the current situation of arboviruses in Matanzas?
In Matanzas, an epidemiological crisis is taking place with the simultaneous circulation of dengue, chikungunya, and oropouche. This situation has been exacerbated by the lack of resources for vector control and fumigation, as well as the overwhelming of health services due to the rise in febrile cases in the province.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the health crisis in Matanzas?
The Government has established an alternative center with 100 additional beds at the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas to take care of children with fever. Furthermore, actions for epidemiological surveillance, fumigation, and environmental sanitation in the most affected areas have been intensified, although these measures come with insufficient resources.
How has the health crisis affected hospitals in Matanzas?
The Eliseo Noel Camaño Provincial Pediatric Hospital is currently operating at full capacity, with all beds occupied due to the surge in viral illnesses. The saturation has forced the redistribution of patients to other facilities in the province and the reinforcement of medical staff, including the involvement of Medical Sciences students.
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