On Christmas Eve, Miguel Díaz-Canel gathered health experts and scientists at the Palace of the Revolution. They assured him that the incidence of dengue and chikungunya is on the decline in Cuba.
State television reported that Cuba is experiencing its eighth consecutive week of reduced arboviral cases. However, most provinces—excluding Matanzas, Granma, and Isla de la Juventud—remain within the endemic epidemic corridor.
Mathematics expert Raúl Guinovart Díaz indicated that predictive models suggest a "trend towards improvement," forecasting potential control of the situation by January or February, provided environmental conditions remain stable.
Despite these projections, meeting data revealed over 2,800 chikungunya cases persist across 134 municipalities, with regions such as Guantánamo, Las Tunas, Santiago de Cuba, Pinar del Río, and Artemisa showing incidence rates above the national average.
Meanwhile, many Cubans continue to endure the virus's long-term effects, including chronic joint pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that hinder recovery.
Health authorities acknowledged that at least 60% of patients in Matanzas seek rehabilitation or traditional medicine treatments three months post-infection, underscoring the chikungunya impact beyond official statistics.
The government emphasized the "unity between science and society" to protect public health without detailing the availability of resources for fumigation, medications, or basic supplies in clinics for patient care.
The meeting concluded with optimistic messages about epidemic control, yet the population still faces power outages, medication shortages, and mosquito outbreaks amid an ongoing health crisis that seems unending.
Understanding the Current Health Crisis in Cuba
What are the current trends in dengue and chikungunya cases in Cuba?
Cuba is witnessing an eighth consecutive week of declining arboviral cases, though many provinces remain within endemic epidemic areas.
Which areas in Cuba have higher incidence rates of chikungunya?
Regions such as Guantánamo, Las Tunas, Santiago de Cuba, Pinar del Río, and Artemisa have higher incidence rates than the national average.
What are the long-term effects of chikungunya on Cubans?
Many suffer from chronic joint pain, fatigue, and other symptoms that complicate recovery, leading to a significant impact beyond official numbers.