Cuba is grappling with a severe dengue epidemic, with more than 17,000 individuals currently hospitalized, including numerous patients in intensive care units. Francisco Durán, the national director of Epidemiology at MINSAP, stated that both dengue and the Oropouche fever are wreaking havoc among the Cuban population due to the high prevalence of mosquitoes and gnats throughout the Caribbean nation.
During his most recent televised briefing, Durán confirmed that over 17,000 dengue patients have been admitted, with the majority recovering at home, while a significant number are receiving treatment in intensive care units. He highlighted that dengue is present in 14 provinces, whereas Oropouche fever has been detected in 15.
Urgent Medical Attention Needed
Durán emphasized the critical need for timely clinical assessments, particularly for children. He stressed that all children displaying dengue symptoms should be hospitalized as their condition can deteriorate rapidly. "Dengue patients can initially appear stable but can quickly worsen due to insufficient hydration," he warned.
Environmental Challenges and Public Responsibility
Santiago, Guantánamo, and Camagüey are among the areas facing significant epidemiological challenges due to the presence of garbage dumps. Durán urged citizens to take charge of cleaning their surroundings, given the lack of state mechanisms to manage waste effectively.
Last week, Durán remarked on the persistent nature of the dengue and Oropouche fever crises in Cuba, summarizing the situation as stagnant: "The situation remains unchanged," he noted.
Widespread Disease Transmission
Providing an update on the island's epidemiological status, Durán pointed out that both arboviruses continue to be active across the country, with trash littering the streets and no resources available for mosquito fumigation. Dengue cases have now been reported in 14 provinces, up from the previous 13, along with 56 municipalities and 51 health areas experiencing active transmission.
In contrast, the Oropouche virus has been detected in all 15 provinces, affecting a total of 110 municipalities, further complicating the public health scenario in Cuba.