Cuban Health Crisis: Dengue and Chikungunya Cases Surge

The Ministry of Health in the Dominican Republic confirmed on Thursday, October 12, 2023, the detection of three cases of chikungunya originating from Cuba. The cases were identified through the national epidemiological surveillance system and confirmed by tests conducted at the Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia Dr.

Defillo, as part of routine protocols for early detection of arboviruses. Health Minister Victor Atallah reassured the public that there is currently no community transmission in the Dominican Republic, stating, 'we are monitoring the situation daily and have teams on the ground.' He emphasized the importance of increasing prevention efforts.

Chikungunya is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and presents symptoms similar to dengue, including severe joint pain and fever. In response to the sustained increase in cases in the Caribbean region, particularly in Cuba, Dominican health authorities are enhancing their epidemiological surveillance actions, actively seeking febrile cases in communities, and intensifying vector control efforts.

These efforts include fumigation, eliminating breeding sites, and providing community guidance. The Ministry also announced that health supervision measures at airports, ports, and border crossings have been strengthened.

Protocols for preparation and response in health centers have been bolstered to ensure diagnostic capacity, clinical management, and timely care if necessary. These actions align with recommendations from the Pan American and World Health Organizations regarding the risk of chikungunya reintroduction in countries without active transmission.

Health authorities have urged the population to maintain prevention measures at home by removing objects that collect water, covering tanks, using repellents, and participating in community clean-up and fumigation efforts.

According to OnCuba News, this surge in dengue and chikungunya cases underscores a significant public health crisis in Cuba, necessitating a robust government response to address these ongoing health challenges.