The Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) has recently declared a chikungunya outbreak, revealing a widespread transmission of the virus across the nation.
This announcement was made by Dr. Francisco Durán García, the national director of Epidemiology, during his appearance on the television program Buenos Días. He provided a comprehensive report on the challenging epidemiological scenario Cuba is currently facing.
Official statistics show that 31,513 individuals have been diagnosed with suspected chikungunya, a disease spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also transmits dengue.
The virus is now present in 14 provinces, 99 municipalities, and 164 health areas. According to Dr. Durán, this indicates a "sustained epidemic pattern."
Additionally, the official reported that in the last 24 hours, there were 753 new suspected chikungunya cases and 847 confirmed dengue cases, illustrating the concurrent presence of both diseases.
"We are facing a chikungunya epidemic," Dr. Durán confirmed, explaining that this term is used when there is "an increase in the number of cases of a disease in a specific geographic area over time." In contrast, dengue remains endemic, with a continuous yet stable presence.
Dr. Durán highlighted that 5,713 patients are currently hospitalized with suspected chikungunya; 5,607 are at home, while the remainder are in hospitals. Furthermore, 95 individuals are in intensive care units, with 77 in serious condition and 18 critically ill. Among the seriously ill, 63 are under 18, and 16 of the critically ill are children.
The director warned that the Aedes aegypti mosquito infestation rate is still high, at 0.73, which he described as a "high transmission risk." The provinces with the highest rates are Camagüey, Pinar del Río, Sancti Spíritus, and Villa Clara.
Dr. Durán acknowledged challenges in fumigation efforts. On the previous day, 142 teams did not operate, 109 due to staffing shortages and 33 due to equipment failures. He also noted that no outdoor adulticide treatments were conducted in Mayabeque, Matanzas, Camagüey, Las Tunas, or the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud.
He emphasized the importance of increasing sanitation measures in homes and workplaces and urged people to seek medical attention if they experience warning signs such as prolonged fever, dehydration, or loss of consciousness.
Dr. Durán clarified that chikungunya provides nearly lifelong immunity, although it can cause lingering effects and a recurrence of symptoms after recovery. He also mentioned that there is currently no effective vaccine against this virus.
Despite acknowledging the "very complex" situation, Dr. Durán assured that the healthcare system "will continue working to address it as best as possible."
However, his statements have not reassured the public, as complaints about the virus have been mounting for months. Many believe that the government was slow to focus on the health crisis, especially given the long-standing collapse of Cuba's healthcare system.
Understanding the Chikungunya Outbreak in Cuba
What is the current state of the chikungunya outbreak in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a significant chikungunya outbreak with over 31,000 suspected cases and widespread transmission across the country.
How are chikungunya and dengue affecting Cuba simultaneously?
Both chikungunya and dengue are being transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, leading to concurrent outbreaks of both diseases in Cuba.
What measures are being taken to control the outbreak?
Efforts include increased sanitation measures and urging the public to seek medical attention for warning signs, despite challenges in fumigation due to equipment and staffing issues.