Residents of the 12 Plantas building on Trocha Street, located at the very heart of Santiago de Cuba, are raising alarms over a viral outbreak that has already resulted in the death of a doctor and left another individual in critical condition. This crisis unfolds amid severe neglect of public health and rampant unsanitary conditions.
According to local accounts, another individual in the same building remains critically ill, while dozens of neighbors are exhibiting similar symptoms.
"Almost everyone here has contracted the virus," a resident stated, according to a report shared on Facebook by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
Dire Sanitary Conditions
The health situation in the building is dire. A perpetual mud-filled lagoon serves as a breeding ground for swarms of mosquitoes that invade the apartments at all hours.
Rats, cockroaches, and foul odors complete a picture of extreme unsanitary conditions impacting entire families, including children and the elderly.
This is happening right in the city center, leading residents to ask with growing concern, "If the center is in such a state... what must conditions be like in the outlying areas lacking resources?"
Desperate Calls for Help
Residents report an absence of health authorities and any sanitation measures. They insist they are not seeking controversy but are pleading for help, fearing more deaths could occur before any action is taken.
Mayeta reports that the people are not demanding special treatment but are urgently requesting medical assistance and immediate intervention to remove vector breeding sites and halt an outbreak that has escalated from mere rumor to a tangible threat, potentially sickening building after building and claiming more lives.
Epidemiological Crisis in Cuba
This information comes as Cuba grapples with a severe epidemiological crisis, characterized by a high incidence of arboviruses such as chikungunya and dengue, along with other diseases.
The rapid spread in Cuba is attributed to the high density of Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes, the movement of people, and shortcomings in national health management.
Recently, Daylyn Herrera, a television reporter in Santiago de Cuba, likened the effects of the chikungunya virus to scenes from Michael Jackson's iconic "Thriller" music video, highlighting the visible suffering in homes and workplaces throughout the eastern city.
Her reflection, posted on Facebook, drew attention for its graphic and unusual tone, especially coming from a source typically aligned with the government.
Understanding the Viral Outbreak in Santiago de Cuba
What caused the viral outbreak in Santiago de Cuba?
The viral outbreak is attributed to unsanitary conditions, including a mosquito-infested mud lagoon and poor sanitary management, facilitating the spread of diseases like chikungunya and dengue.
What actions are residents demanding to address the outbreak?
Residents are urgently requesting medical attention and immediate intervention to eliminate vector breeding sites and control the viral outbreak.
How is the viral outbreak affecting the community?
The outbreak has resulted in at least one death, several critical illnesses, and widespread infection among residents, impacting entire families, including vulnerable children and elderly individuals.