Cuba’s Ministry of Public Health on Wednesday confirmed three deaths from dengue so far this year, while health authorities warn of an increase in the transmission of arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya and oropouche, driven by the rains and the deterioration of communal hygiene.

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“In 2025, three people have died in Cuba from dengue, according to the necrological studies carried out and the previous diagnosis of the patients,” said the Deputy Minister of Public Health, Carilda Peña, at a press conference quoted by Canal Caribe, a local media.

The specialist explained that three mosquito-borne arboviruses are currently circulating on the island: dengue, chikungunya and oropouche, with dengue transmission in 12 of the 15 Cuban provinces and chikungunya in eight provinces.

Peña stressed that dengue, an endemic disease in Cuba, has registered an increase in its spread due to increased rainfall and deteriorated communal hygiene conditions. These circumstances have favored the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the main vector of these diseases.

Although dengue can lead to severe forms, the deputy minister clarified that chikungunya does not usually evolve into severe symptoms. To deal with this situation, the health authorities have implemented measures such as fumigation, the application of abate to eliminate larvae and the use of insecticides.

However, Peña acknowledged that fuel shortages limit widespread spraying, which complicates mosquito control. “It is urgent to cut the chain of transmission,” he emphasized, urging the population to go to the doctor in the event of non-specific febrile symptoms, such as high fever, muscle pain, bleeding or skin rashes.

The Cuban health protocol indicates home admission for patients without comorbidities and hospitalization for those with other conditions. In addition, communal sanitation work has been intensified to reduce mosquito breeding sites, and the authorities have reiterated the importance of citizen collaboration.

Matanzas, one of the most affected provinces, is facing a complex epidemiological situation. On October 10, the Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal, assured that in this province there is constant monitoring of epidemiological indicators and healthcare services have been reinforced.

“This is a moment that demands unity, responsibility and joint action. Only with everyone’s effort will we be able to contain transmission and protect the health of the people,” Portal said during a meeting with local authorities.

In Matanzas, differentiated action plans are executed according to the level of risk in each health area, with emphasis on the control of arboviruses.

The authorities have called on the population to take extreme prevention measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using repellents and going to the doctor if they have any warning symptoms.

The Ministry of Public Health insists that community cooperation is key to mitigating the spread of these diseases. The combination of factors such as weather, hygiene and logistical constraints represents a challenge, but the authorities reiterate their commitment to protecting public health through continuous monitoring and the implementation of preventive measures.

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