Francisco Durán García, the National Director of Epidemiology at the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), has reported a significant increase in mosquito populations on the island, which has led to a rise in diseases such as dengue and Oropouche fever.
"Transmission is occurring in 12 localities, 41 municipalities, and 46 health areas," the official stated, specifically referring to dengue. He highlighted the provinces of Havana, Matanzas, Camagüey, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo as having the highest incidence rates. Additionally, there are patients in critical condition due to this arbovirus.
Regarding Oropouche fever, Durán noted that "most suspected cases are being treated at home if they do not present severe clinical symptoms, and so far, no serious cases or deaths have been reported." The number of suspected cases has significantly increased in the provinces of Pinar del Río, Havana, Matanzas, Villa Clara, and Santiago de Cuba over the past week. This virus is present in 15 provinces, 103 municipalities, and 184 health areas.
Durán provided a somewhat convoluted explanation, reiterating that Oropouche fever is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes and midges from the Culex and Culicoides genera. He emphasized that in Cuba, the Culex fasciatus mosquito is ubiquitous because it breeds in sewage water. "You can imagine, with the sanitation issues we have in many places, it's a breeding ground for them," he said, adding that midges are also plentiful in the country.
The surge in these arboviruses coincides with the current heatwave in Cuba, heavy rainfall, and difficulties in garbage collection in various areas. Durán also clarified that there are no current cases of chikungunya, Zika, or Mayaro fever, diseases that are commonly associated with Latin America and the Caribbean.
On Thursday, a concerning report emerged about the sanitary conditions in the Mantilla neighborhood of Havana. Images shared in the Facebook group "Somos Mantilla" revealed a worrying state of hygiene, with large puddles and overgrown vegetation.
FAQs on Dengue and Oropouche Fever in Cuba
Given the rising concerns about mosquito-borne diseases in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help you stay informed.
What areas in Cuba are most affected by dengue?
The provinces of Havana, Matanzas, Camagüey, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo have the highest incidence rates of dengue.
How is Oropouche fever transmitted?
Oropouche fever is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes and midges from the Culex and Culicoides genera.
Are there any severe cases of Oropouche fever in Cuba?
According to Francisco Durán García, there have been no severe cases or deaths reported from Oropouche fever in Cuba so far.
What other mosquito-borne diseases are present in Cuba?
Currently, there are no reported cases of chikungunya, Zika, or Mayaro fever in Cuba.