Authorities from the Ministry of Public Health (Minsap) and specialists in arbovirosis appeared on the Round Table to discuss the deteriorating epidemiological situation in Cuba, characterized by the spread of dengue, chikungunya, and other mosquito-borne viruses.
The National Director of Epidemiology, Dr. C. Francisco Durán García, acknowledged that the country’s health crisis remains “acute,” although he assured that there is a “trend towards a decrease” in cases. He insisted that after being infected with chikungunya, individuals gain immunity; however, it is best not to suffer from the illness.
Durán denied that 90% of the population has been infected with chikungunya but acknowledged that the evaluations reveal concerning figures, with “about 30%, 30-some percent” of infections.
Despite the attempt to present an improvement, the statements made by the epidemiologist stand in stark contrast to the reality faced by Cubans, where outbreaks, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of vector control are visibly present in neighborhoods, hospitals, and entire communities.
In the midst of a health crisis exacerbated by a shortage of medications, a lack of constant fumigation, and urban neglect, the official's words sound more like justification than a solution.
Main topics addressed by Dr. Durán:
- Arboviral Circulation: The presence of dengue and chikungunya has been confirmed in 14 provinces of the country, with greater complexity in Havana, Matanzas, and Ciego de Ávila, where local health systems are overwhelmed.
- Distribution of chikungunya: 98.5% of cases are concentrated in Matanzas, Havana, Camagüey, Cienfuegos, Artemisa, and Villa Clara, with Matanzas being the most affected province, reflecting an uneven but intense spread of the virus.
- Situation of the Oropuche virus: The epidemiologist provided an encouraging note by confirming that no cases or suspected cases have been reported in the last week, highlighting a trend toward decreasing numbers.
- Vector control and cleaning: Durán criticized the exclusive reliance on fumigation, recalling that "fumigation kills for 45 minutes the mosquito that is flying at that moment, but does not affect those that are in the breeding sites." He emphasized the importance of eliminating poorly covered water containers, trash, and debris, as "a small cap can serve as a breeding ground."
- Structural problems: He acknowledged "difficulties in control actions," particularly in waste collection and environmental management, tasks that fall under local government responsibility and remain unresolved.
- Research and Products in Development: He detailed that the health scientific committee is working on over 21 active research projects, including clinical trials of the drug Jusvinza in patients with post-chikungunya arthritis, although he clarified that the process “must be rigorous” and is not a matter of slowness.
- Use of multivitamins: It was mentioned that domestic production is projected, but no exact date was given for when Cubans will be able to find that product in pharmacies.
Durán called for citizen solidarity, especially for "those elderly who are alone, who have no relatives," and insisted on the "active participation" of the population to curb the spread of viruses by cleaning and eliminating trash where mosquitoes can breed.
His speech once again highlights the structural incapacity of the Cuban healthcare system, which relies on citizen goodwill rather than effective state management.
In the major cities of the country, the dumpsters continue to overflow, the streets are filled with stagnant water, and there is a lack of basic resources. The "downward trend" announced by Dr. Durán seems more like an official wish than a reflection of the healthcare reality faced by the Cuban population.
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