The Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) warned on Wednesday, October 22, about the increase in severe forms of dengue on the island, in the midst of a complex epidemiological situation marked by the increase in cases of this disease and the introduction of the chikungunya and oropouche viruses, all transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

The Deputy Minister of Public Health, Dr. Carilda Peña García, explained on the Cuban Television Information System that the predominance of dengue serotype 4 increases the risk of complications in patients who previously contracted serotype 3, predominant in the last three years.

“To the extent that viral circulation is greater, mainly due to dengue, severe forms appear,” said Peña García, noting that those who have suffered from dengue due to a different serotype are more likely to develop warning signs and complications.

The provinces with the highest incidence are Guantánamo, Matanzas, Havana, Ciego de Ávila and Cienfuegos, while Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus and Camagüey show an upward trend. In contrast, Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Mayabeque, Las Tunas, Holguín and the Isle of Youth report a decrease in cases.

This week, 13,071 additional non-specific febrile cases were registered, reflecting a general increase in the territory. To address this situation, MINSAP has strengthened epidemiological surveillance and guaranteed hospital care, including intensive care for the most serious cases.

In addition, fumigation and application of insecticides are carried out in critical areas to interrupt the mosquito’s transmission chain.

The deputy minister stressed the importance of community sanitation and called on the population to go to the doctor in the event of symptoms such as high fever, muscle pain, bleeding or skin rashes.

The simultaneous circulation of dengue, chikungunya and oropouche represents an additional challenge for the Cuban health system.

The authorities insist on prevention, promoting the elimination of mosquito breeding sites and timely medical consultation to avoid complications

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