The Cuban Ministry of Public Health has announced 55 fatalities and 43 severe cases stemming from arboviral diseases, according to an update delivered by Deputy Minister Carilda Peña García during a televised briefing on the country's epidemiological status.
The surge in cases is primarily attributed to the spread of the dengue and chikungunya viruses, with no recent diagnoses of Oropouche fever, as stated by the official. Of those who have died, 18 succumbed to dengue while the remaining deaths were due to chikungunya, with most victims being under the age of 18, she elaborated.
The Deputy Minister further mentioned that 43 patients are currently in intensive care units, a figure that reflects an increase of five cases from the previous day, with the majority of these severe cases also involving individuals under 18 years old.
"Yesterday, 2,188 individuals displaying febrile symptoms were screened, with most being monitored at home without the need for hospital admission," Peña García detailed during her appearance on Canal Caribe.
According to the Ministry, the dengue incidence rate is currently at 8.32, which is lower than the same period in 2024 (12.31), although transmission remains active across all provinces of the country.
The Deputy Minister also reported 372 new suspected cases of chikungunya, with 27 of these being laboratory-confirmed.
Cuba has recorded a total of 47,756 cases of the disease to date, comprising 46,053 suspected and 1,703 confirmed cases.
Health authorities continue to emphasize controlling the Aedes aegypti mosquito as the primary method to curb the spread of arboviral diseases, yet official statistics reveal that transmission is still rampant across much of the nation.
Despite official reports downplaying the severity of the outbreak, various provinces, including Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Camagüey, Havana, and Villa Clara, are experiencing a consistent rise in febrile cases, pediatric admissions, and deaths linked to "associated complications."
Independent medical professionals suggest that the healthcare system's response to the virus spread has been hampered by shortages of insecticides, diagnostic reagents, and hospital resources.
Understanding Cuba's Arboviral Disease Crisis
What are the primary arboviral diseases affecting Cuba?
The main arboviral diseases impacting Cuba are dengue and chikungunya, with recent concerns over Oropouche fever, although no new cases have been reported recently.
How is the Cuban government addressing the arbovirus outbreak?
The government is focusing on controlling the Aedes aegypti mosquito to prevent the spread of the virus, but shortages in resources are hindering effective management of the outbreak.
Why are children under 18 more affected by these diseases in Cuba?
Children under 18 are more vulnerable to severe forms of arboviral diseases, which is reflected in the high number of pediatric cases and fatalities reported in the country.