The national director of Epidemiology, Francisco Durán, confirmed that three viruses are currently circulating in Cuba that characterize the ongoing epidemiological crisis.
In his weekly update, the expert specified that the following are currently active: chikungunya —the one with the highest incidence and the most troublesome symptoms—, dengue —with active transmission— and Oropouche, which is experiencing a decline in cases.
The specialist described a “complex” scenario and acknowledged the public concern regarding the persistence of feverish conditions and ailments that impact work and school life.
Durán assured that the fight against vectors is intensifying, with a focus on the most challenging areas—Havana, Matanzas, and Cienfuegos—and reported that fumigation has increased with high-productivity vehicles (TDA) provided by the FAR, without neglecting targeted fumigation whenever a case arises.
He emphasized that the goal is to reduce mosquito infestation to disrupt transmission, while maintaining clinical monitoring of suspected patients.
Regarding the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the eastern part of the country, it was explained that the initial drag may have reduced breeding grounds, but now water deposits are proliferating due to the accumulation of rain and prior debris, which favors the reproduction of the vector and anticipates a resurgence if cleanliness and environmental organization are not strengthened.
Nevertheless, he insisted that medical attention has not been interrupted nor has the admission of cases in need been halted, and that control measures will increase as recovery progresses and the situation stabilizes.
In terms of clinical recommendations, he advised to avoid self-medication and to be cautious with pain relievers in the early days of the illness; he specifically cautioned that it is not advisable to take ibuprofen during that initial phase.
He acknowledged that chikungunya, which is currently prevalent, causes debilitating discomfort and that in workplaces, “sometimes only two or three of those who should be there are present,” reflecting the labor impact of the outbreaks.
In the coming weeks, the epidemiologist anticipated that as services are restored and access improves in the areas affected by the storm, it will be possible to expand fumigation and targeted control to contain the transmission of chikungunya, dengue, and Oropouche.
He concluded by expressing gratitude for the informative space and committed to continuing updates on the evolution of the epidemiological scenario in future appearances.
This Tuesday, the Deputy Minister of Public Health, Carilda Peña García, confirmed to national media that in Cuba there have been officially reported 20,062 cases of chikungunya, as well as a high incidence of dengue and other arboviral diseases.
He added that the "active search for fever cases" continues with the support of medical science students, while nine provinces are conducting intensive fumigation, although there are reports that this treatment has turned into a business in the sight of local officials.
Despite that official discourse, public perception is different: in numerous municipalities, citizens report that fumigation is irregular, there are no doctors or basic supplies, and many people avoid going to hospitals due to the shortage of medications or the overwhelming demand for services.
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