The Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) announced on Tuesday that there have been no reported cases of the hantavirus within Cuban borders. However, the ministry has heightened its epidemiological surveillance protocols due to an outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship, which has resulted in three deaths and nine confirmed cases.
Dr. Carilda Peña García, the Deputy Minister of Health, shared these remarks with Canal Caribe during a meeting with health experts and Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel. The gathering focused on discussing the traits, progression, and treatment strategies for the disease.
"So far, there is no documented presence of these vectors in Cuba," stated Dr. Peña García, emphasizing that the virus "is not known in Cuba, and there are no historical reports of outbreaks in the country."
The alarming outbreak began on the Dutch-flagged expedition cruise ship, MV Hondius, which departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, carrying 88 passengers and 59 crew members from 23 different countries.
As of May 12, nine cases had been confirmed through PCR tests, with two additional probable cases and three fatalities, including a Dutch couple and a German woman.
Understanding the Andes Virus
The identified strain is the Andes virus, the only hantavirus strain known to be transmitted from person to person, albeit only through close and prolonged contact.
One major concern regarding the potential introduction of the virus into Cuba is its extended incubation period.
"The incubation period is about eight weeks. This means that those who have had close contact with infected individuals need to be monitored for up to eight weeks, as they could be incubating the disease during this entire duration," explained Dr. Peña García.
Heightened Vigilance at Entry Points
Dr. Peña García warned of the risk of the virus entering the country, given its lengthy incubation period, and urged for increased epidemiological monitoring at the borders.
Cuban authorities have ramped up inspections at ports, airports, and marinas, including checks of aircraft and ships for signs of rodents, which are the virus carriers.
The MV Hondius docked in Tenerife on May 10 after being turned away by Cape Verde, and the complete evacuation of all passengers was completed by May 11.
Despite the global alert, the World Health Organization (WHO) has dismissed the possibility of the situation escalating into a pandemic.
Dr. Peña García quoted the WHO Director-General, who stated, "This situation is not classified as a pandemic, like COVID, due to the known transmission mechanism and the experience gained in managing the disease."
Public Awareness and Precautionary Measures
The Deputy Minister urged the public to stay informed without succumbing to panic, recommending the use of masks for acute respiratory infections, hand-washing, and seeking medical attention if experiencing symptoms after contact with individuals from areas where the virus is present.
"This is a situation that the public should be aware of, not to cause alarm, but to stay informed and protect themselves," she emphasized.
"There's no reason for alarm, but vigilance is necessary," concluded Dr. Peña García, as Cuban health authorities continue to monitor the international outbreak and strengthen controls at all entry points to the country.
Hantavirus Awareness and Safety in Cuba
What is the hantavirus, and how is it transmitted?
Hantavirus is a virus spread primarily through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. The Andes virus, a strain of hantavirus, can also be transmitted from person to person through close, prolonged contact.
How is Cuba responding to the hantavirus threat?
Cuba has increased its epidemiological surveillance and inspections at entry points, such as ports and airports, to prevent the virus from entering the country. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising the public on protective measures.
Are there any confirmed hantavirus cases in Cuba?
As of now, there are no confirmed cases of hantavirus in Cuba. The Cuban Ministry of Public Health has confirmed that the virus has not been documented within the country's borders.