A total of between 250 and 350 cases of febrile syndromes are diagnosed weekly in the municipality of Palmira, Cienfuegos.
The Pedro Kouri Institute of Tropical Medicine confirmed that chikungunya is circulating in the area, and at this moment, the figure for home admissions has risen to 90% of the total population, according to a report by local state media.
These figures are known in the midst of a critical health and epidemiological context in the country, due to the simultaneous outbreak of three viral diseases: dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever, in addition to seasonal viruses, and the concerning rise in severe cases in several provinces.
This week, in the municipality of Cifuentes, in the province of Villa Clara, the passing of Adelaida Yanes was reported, who lost her life due to hemorrhagic dengue, as confirmed by sources close to the family.
A few days earlier, the death of a young man in the city of Cárdenas, in Matanzas, was also confirmed, also due to hemorrhagic dengue, which sparked alarm and outrage among the population in response to the silence of the Public Health authorities.
The western province has faced a surge of dengue and other infectious diseases in recent weeks, resulting in the collapse of hospitals and increasing fear among the residents.
Despite citizens' alerts on social media regarding the rise in infections and the deaths of several people, primarily in that province, there was silence from institutions for weeks, and then health authorities downplayed the epidemiological situation and denied that there had been any fatalities from arboviruses in the country.
But the official silence was broken today -albeit only partially- when the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) reported the deaths of three individuals due to dengue so far in 2025, marking the first acknowledgment by the government of fatalities from arboviruses this year.
The revelation came from the Deputy Minister of Public Health, Dr. Carilda Peña García, before the official Cuban press, but without providing details about the ages and genders, the provinces, and the clinical conditions of the deceased, which keeps the information shrouded in secrecy regarding the handling of the crisis.
According to the official, the three dengue-related deaths were confirmed through necropsy studies and prior clinical diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Crisis in Cienfuegos and Dengue in Cuba
What is the current situation regarding febrile syndromes in Cienfuegos?
In the municipality of Palmira, Cienfuegos, between 250 and 350 cases of febrile syndromes are diagnosed weekly. This situation is part of a health crisis due to the circulation of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever in the region.
What viral diseases are currently affecting Cuba?
Currently, dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever are circulating in Cuba. These arboviral diseases are present in several provinces, with dengue causing the most severe and critical cases among the population.
How has the Cuban government responded to the dengue deaths?
The Cuban government has officially acknowledged the deaths of three people due to dengue in 2025, but has kept tight-lipped about specific details regarding these cases. Despite alerts and citizen reports, the Ministry of Public Health has downplayed the situation and previously denied the fatalities due to arboviral disease.
What measures are being taken to control the chikungunya outbreak in Cuba?
Authorities have implemented measures such as fumigation and vector control, application of larvicides in water storage containers, and active search for febrile cases in the affected areas. However, the lack of resources and personnel limits the effectiveness of these actions.
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