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The Deputy Minister of Public Health, Carilda Peña García, urged the public to not stay sick at home and go to healthcare centers at the first sign of any symptoms, amid a context characterized by the active spread of dengue — predominantly serotype 4 — and a sustained increase in cases of chikungunya in much of the country.
In an update on the health crisis in Cuba, the official explained that during the past week, there was a significant increase in non-specific febrile syndromes, with 109 municipalities reporting more cases for this reason, and that the positivity of IgM for dengue also rose, indicating active transmission in several provinces.
He mentioned among the most affected areas Guantánamo, Matanzas, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, and Villa Clara.
“We emphasize the importance of people not staying sick at home. They should go to health centers
Peña García reported that the diagnosis has been strengthened with the incorporation of rapid tests in hospitals for patients displaying severe symptoms, in order to provide more specific and timely care.
In parallel, vector control intensified across all provinces through adulticidal treatments, the deployment of high-productivity equipment, and TDA vehicles.
The surveillance campaign includes outdoor fumigation and a call for citizen collaboration—opening doors and windows during the treatment process and reporting irregularities—in order to break the transmission chain of Aedes aegypti, whose infestation rate remains high in various areas.
Circulation of viruses throughout Cuba
The deputy minister added that, although there is a decrease in acute respiratory infections, viral circulation persists, which is why she urged the continuation of individual protection measures, especially in light of the increase in rainfall, which can affect the sanitary quality of water and encourage the proliferation of vectors.
He specified that Mayabeque, Isla de la Juventud, and Las Tunas show no strong evidence of viral circulation in the analyzed week, although they remain under clinical-epidemiological and laboratory surveillance.
As a complement, the infectious disease specialist Daniel González Rubio from the Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine (IPK) explained that chikungunya fever progresses in phases and can leave symptoms for months.
He indicated that, although most cases are self-limiting, there is a risk of complications in older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses.
He detailed that up to 40% of patients may experience discomfort for three months and around 10% beyond that period, with pain and joint stiffness that limit function. He stressed that the treatment is symptomatic—there is no specific antiviral—and should include rest, proper hydration, and medical supervision: “Most cases can be managed at home, but always under professional guidance.”
The risk increases
Cuba reported a increase in severe dengue cases during the previous week, in a context of a widespread rise in fever and active circulation of arboviruses in most regions.
The surveillance system recorded 13,071 fever cases in seven days and the endemic corridor of the fever remains at epidemic levels.
That week, he said, 16 more patients were treated in therapy rooms than the previous week; during that period, there were 7 critical cases, and it ended with one in that condition.
The national rate rose to 24.3 per 100,000 inhabitants. The provinces facing the most complex situation are Guantánamo, Matanzas, Ciego de Ávila, Havana, and Cienfuegos; followed by Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, and Camagüey.
After years of serotype 3 predominating, serotype 4 is now prevalent, which increases the risk of severe illness in individuals reinfected with a different serotype.
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