Cuban Government Acknowledges Spread of H1N1 and COVID-19 Viruses

The Cuban authorities have officially recognized the presence of respiratory viruses such as the pandemic H1N1 influenza, the respiratory syncytial virus—which particularly affects young children and the elderly—and COVID-19, although the positivity rate remains low according to official reports.

This information emerged on Monday during a routine meeting between the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel and health sector scientists, where concerns were raised about a potential increase in cases over the coming weeks.

This epidemiological update comes at a particularly dire time for Cuba, plagued by dengue and chikungunya outbreaks that have resulted in 33 fatalities, including 21 children, as recently confirmed by the Ministry of Public Health (Minsap).

During the meeting, as reported by Canal Caribe, Minsap specialists revealed that between July and November, 1,423 samples from patients with Acute Respiratory Infections were analyzed. The respiratory syncytial virus and H1N1 influenza are the most prevalent, common for this season, but can cause severe conditions in vulnerable populations.

Regarding COVID-19, experts presented data showing "low" but persistent positivity spikes, along with the presence of internationally monitored variants. While they stressed that there is no cause for alarm, they acknowledged that the virus is "circulating" and that Cuba continues to monitor new variants like XFG, detected in other countries.

However, no information was provided about hospitalizations, medication availability, or the healthcare system's capacity to handle a surge in cases, which are critical concerns in the current context.

Mathematician and epidemiologist Raúl Guinovart presented predictive models indicating a rise in cases in the coming weeks, particularly in eastern Cuba and the Isle of Youth. Yet, the official report did not specify whether this increase pertains to arboviruses, respiratory infections, or both.

Díaz-Canel urged health authorities to "provide continuous and timely information," despite criticism of Minsap for the lack of transparency in its epidemiological reports.

Context of Crisis: Arbovirus Deaths Raise Alarm

The confirmation of H1N1 and COVID-19 spread comes shortly after the government admitted to 33 deaths from dengue and chikungunya, 21 of which were children and adolescents. This revelation has caused concern both domestically and internationally.

For instance, Canadian media have already warned that the island is experiencing an epidemic outbreak with a "limited" healthcare system and hospitals in poor condition.

The situation is exacerbated by a shortage of insecticides, lack of medications, power outages, and the government's inability to control infestation rates, which currently stand at 0.89%, with provinces like Camagüey, Santiago de Cuba, and Havana being the most affected.

Innovative Lab Technologies vs. Real-World Epidemics

During the meeting, scientists unveiled new technologies aimed at "reducing or eliminating vectors," such as sterile insect techniques, transgenic mosquitoes, and intracellular bacteria capable of affecting the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

While these solutions are promising, they remain in the design or industrial scaling phase, leaving the Cuban population to face real outbreaks, overwhelmed hospitals, and the uncertainty of lacking basic resources for protection.