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The Minister of Public Health of Cuba, José Ángel Portal Miranda, stated on Thursday that there have been no recorded deaths from dengue or chikungunya in Matanzas, despite the reports of healthcare system collapse and an increase in fever cases in the province.
During a meeting led by communist authorities, including the first secretary of the Party in Matanzas, Mario Sabines Lorenzo, and Governor Marieta Poey Zamora, the head of MINSAP described reports of deaths as “rumors” and clarified that the circulating diseases “are neither new, nor rare, nor unknown”, according to the publication on Facebook from Periódico Girón.
"There are no deaths in Matanzas due to this disease. There are neither severe nor critical cases. No one can hide an epidemic or the dead," stated Portal Miranda, who insisted that the diagnosis is confirmed by laboratories of the Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine (IPK) and the National Surveillance Center.
It acknowledges the outbreak but denies its severity
The minister explained that the surge in cases is due to the high susceptibility of the population, after several years without significant circulation of the virus, and to the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito caused by tropical conditions and climate change.
Nevertheless, Portal Miranda insisted that "the situation is under control" and that the confirmed cases are not presenting severe complications. He also reiterated that there is no circulation of SARS-CoV-2, although monitoring of other respiratory viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus continues.
"We have to convey to the people that we are aware of the problems we face, but that we are doing everything to save lives," said the minister, while acknowledging the shortage of human and material resources to address the situation.
Measures and popular participation
Among the announced actions, the MINSAP will incorporate Medical Science students into active research and fumigation efforts, in addition to strengthening polyclinics and clinics. Special consultations will be opened to address the aftereffects of dengue, and measures will be implemented to expedite hospital admissions and patient evacuations.
The authorities identified the most affected areas as the polyclinics of Playa, Versalles, and Milanés, where more than 4,000 screenings are conducted daily with the support of health and community brigades.
For its part, the Communist Party in the province called for a massive sanitation day this weekend, coinciding with the 332nd anniversary of the city. “The participation of everyone is not just necessary, it is essential,” emphasized Portal Miranda, who urged institutions to keep their areas free of vector breeding sites.
Context: overcrowded hospitals and public distrust
Despite official optimism, residents of Matanzas have reported overwhelmed hospitals, shortages of medication, and long waits for medical attention, as well as complaints about the lack of systematic fumigation.
While the minister denies fatalities, medical sources and family members claim that deaths associated with dengue have occurred, especially among children and the elderly, although these cases have not been officially recognized.
The government's speech aims to convey calm, but it arrives at a time of increasing social distrust towards health institutions, following years of epidemiological crisis and the deterioration of the Cuban healthcare system.
In a country where dengue epidemics recur year after year, the statements from Minister Portal Miranda reflect the regime's attempt to downplay the impact of the outbreak, while healthcare personnel, working with minimal resources, confront a battle that the population already perceives as an unofficially recognized emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dengue Outbreak in Matanzas
What is happening with the dengue outbreak in Matanzas?
The dengue outbreak in Matanzas has raised concerns due to the increase in fever cases and the overwhelming pressure on health services. The Minister of Public Health of Cuba, José Ángel Portal Miranda, has denied any deaths related to dengue; however, the unsanitary conditions and lack of resources worsen the situation. The population is struggling due to shortages of medications and the lack of systematic fumigation.
Does the Cuban government acknowledge the seriousness of the epidemiological situation in Matanzas?
Despite reports from citizens and the medical sector, the Cuban government, through its representatives, has downplayed the severity of the outbreak in Matanzas, dismissing reports of deaths and a healthcare system collapse as "rumors." However, the population and health professionals have expressed increasing distrust towards the authorities due to the lack of resources and the evident health crisis.
What measures have been taken by the Ministry of Health in response to the dengue outbreak?
The Ministry of Public Health has implemented measures such as the inclusion of medical students for active research and fumigation, as well as the establishment of special consultations to address the aftereffects of dengue. However, the effectiveness of these measures is limited by the scarcity of human and material resources, making it difficult to manage the situation effectively.
What other viral diseases are present in Matanzas besides dengue?
In addition to dengue, chikungunya and the Oropouche virus are circulating in Matanzas. Chikungunya is characterized by causing fever and severe joint pain, while the Oropouche virus, though more widespread, presents milder symptoms. The co-circulation of these viruses, referred to as "combined arboviral infections," increases the complexity of the epidemiological landscape in the region.
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