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The Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac confirmed on his social media that he contracted chikungunya, one of the mosquito-borne diseases that most affects the Cuban population amid the current health crisis.
"I finally fell. I'm now in style," the artist wrote on his Facebook profile, where he has received hundreds of messages of support and concern. His post quickly generated hundreds of reactions and comments from followers who wished him a speedy recovery and shared their own experiences with the illness.
After confirming the infection, the comedian expanded his message with a health warning about the importance of staying hydrated and explained that "chikungunya causes hyperviscosity of the fluids" and that "the difference between surviving or having a high risk of a heart attack depends on drinking at least three liters of water daily." He added that, for those who can, "the use of rehydration salts is much, much, much better."
The comments on her post reflect a blend of concern, empathy, and resignation regarding an illness that, according to users, has spread widely across the island. Many shared advice on how to alleviate symptoms and agreed on the seriousness of the outbreak.
The announcement came two days after Toirac published another message in a foreboding tone, warning that the virus was already circulating in his home: “I have the unpleasant impression that we're going to join the trend in my house despite extreme avoidance measures. Chikungunya is joining the dance. Send help!” he wrote at the time alongside an image of a mosquito.
Recently, Cuban authorities acknowledged the uncontrolled spread of arboviruses, which include dengue and chikungunya, with over 21,000 cases and active transmission in 38 municipalities, along with fever outbreaks in many parts of the country.
In the midst of that situation, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel asserted that the Government will confront the epidemic “just as it dealt with COVID-19”, which sparked criticism on social media and comments of discontent over the lack of visible results and delays in the healthcare response. Numerous users expressed their frustration over the scarcity of medications, the absence of fumigation, and the deterioration of health services. Some pointed out that almost every family has someone sick, and that the situation worsens due to the inability to access basic treatments.
For his part, doctor and activist Lucio Enríquez Nodarse called for international medical and military intervention to ensure access to medicines and food, believing that the regime has turned the State "into a weapon against its own people."
From exile, groups of professionals have also warned about the rise in infections and the lack of medical resources, calling for urgent actions to control the outbreaks and support the population.
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