Dengue Outbreak Looms in Guantánamo as Cases Increase by 30%
Guantánamo, Cuba – The authorities in Guantánamo have issued a warning to the local press, stating that the dengue situation in the province is “in the prelude to the epidemic phase.” With a 30% increase in the sources of contagion, the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology is on high alert. The director, Leonel Heredia, attributes the uptick in cases to the rainy season and predicts an even gloomier outlook when September arrives.
Currently, Guantánamo has reported 705 outbreaks of the Aedes eegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The most affected municipalities so far are Manuel Tames, Guantánamo, and Caimanera, while Maisí and Yateras have the lowest infection rates, according to Heredia. The situation mirrors that of Santiago de Cuba, where authorities describe the development of the disease as “worrying.”
Heredia explained that tanks in homes continue to be the preferred breeding ground for the mosquito. To combat this, his office has developed an intensive plan to control the mosquito’s reproduction. However, he emphasized that families must also take responsibility by cleaning stagnant water.
Santiago de Cuba has already issued an alarm due to the increase in medical attention for febrile syndrome and reactive cases since the start of the rainy season. The provincial newspaper, Sierra Maestra, warned that the territory has “great possibilities” of experiencing epidemiological events if the arbovirus is not controlled.
The newspaper also acknowledged that the control of the disease is being hindered by the island’s economic difficulties, which limit the magnitude and scope of anti-vector actions and other measures aimed at eliminating favorable environmental conditions for the mosquito.
In February, BioCubaFarma announced that it hopes to have the first vaccine candidate against dengue this year after almost a decade of research. However, the president of the state pharmaceutical group, Eduardo Martínez Díaz, justified the delay, stating that dengue has four serotypes, and each one must be immunized simultaneously for the vaccine to be effective.
While the Cuban government advertises that its vaccine will be the first against the disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved a drug called Dengvaxia, manufactured by French company Sanofi Pasteur, in 2015. This serum has been validated in 20 countries but is not available on the island.
In addition to the dengue outbreak, Guantánamo health authorities have also warned of a rebound in COVID-19 infections. In the last two weeks, there have been 10 confirmed cases in the municipalities of Guantánamo, El Salvador, and Manuel Tames. Although these cases are not considered serious or life-threatening, the epidemiologist emphasized the importance of wearing masks in mandatory places and continuing the vaccination scheme.
As the dengue and COVID-19 situations worsen, the authorities urge the public to take necessary precautions and support efforts to control the spread of these diseases.
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How are the Guantánamo authorities collaborating with neighboring provinces to control the spread of dengue
Per also emphasized the need for the population to take preventive measures such as using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using mosquito nets.
In response to the rising cases, the Ministry of Public Health has started fumigation campaigns and intensified the inspection of homes and public spaces to eliminate breeding sites. Health professionals have been deployed to conduct educational campaigns in schools and communities to raise awareness about dengue prevention.
The authorities are also closely monitoring the situation in neighboring provinces and sharing information and resources to control the spread of the disease. Despite these efforts, there is concern that the outbreak may worsen in the coming months as the rainy season continues.
Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that causes flu-like symptoms such as high fever, body aches, and severe headaches. In severe cases, it can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. The Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds in stagnant water, making it crucial to eliminate any potential breeding sites to prevent further spread of the disease.
The Guantánamo authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites. By working together and implementing preventive measures, it is hoped that the province can overcome this dengue outbreak and prevent it from escalating into a full-blown epidemic.
