Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez convened with leading health experts and scientists this week to address the nation’s escalating arbovirus crisis, which has claimed 33 lives to date according to official figures. Health authorities confirmed dengue fever has resulted in 12 fatalities, including seven minors, while chikungunya has caused 21 deaths, 14 of whom were under 18 years old.
Despite reporting a 2.4% national decrease in nonspecific febrile syndrome cases, Deputy Health Minister Dr. Carilda Peña García revealed concerning increases across seven provinces: Las Tunas, Holguín, Pinar del Río, Mayabeque, Granma, and Sancti Spíritus. The situation remains particularly critical in Las Tunas, Holguín, and Pinar del Río.
Dr. Raúl Guinovart Díaz, Mathematics expert and Director of Science and Technology at the University of Havana, presented predictive models indicating unfavorable arbovirus trends in the coming weeks. While cooler temperatures typically reduce Aedes aegypti mosquito infestation, Guinovart warned that mosquitoes are now seeking refuge indoors, making household prevention measures critically important.
Epidemiological data shows dengue transmission persisting at consistent levels across 14 provinces, 43 municipalities, and 51 health areas. Chikungunya infections have demonstrated a 25.9% reduction over three weeks, with 5,716 new suspected cases and 5,409 confirmations. Cumulative figures indicate 38,342 chikungunya cases nationwide, with infections reported across all 15 territories, 113 municipalities, and 199 health areas. No new Oropouche cases were reported in the past week.
The meeting also addressed respiratory infections, which have declined over five consecutive weeks with 893 fewer medical visits recorded. However, health officials anticipate an upcoming increase in acute respiratory infections despite current numbers remaining within endemic corridors.
COVID-19 surveillance data revealed only 13 cases diagnosed in October, with 3,407 tests conducted throughout the year. Health authorities confirmed no variations in circulating Omicron strains and sub-variants.
President Díaz-Canel emphasized the necessity of transparent, comprehensive daily public communication regarding health threats. Meanwhile, IPK specialists discussed WHO and PAHO-endorsed innovative vector control technologies, including sterile insect techniques, genetic modification, and bacterial infection methods currently deployed in over 20 countries, with Brazil leading regional implementation.