Cuba faces a new health alert due to increase in cases of dengue and Oropouche fever in several provinces of the country.
The confirmation of the Oropouche virus in nine provinces and 23 municipalities, detected in the national reference laboratory of the Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine (IPK), has activated the health systems on the island.
Municipalities of Matanzas, Mayabeque, Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, Holguín, Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos, have confirmed the presence of the Oropouche virus from samples studied in the national reference laboratory of the Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kourí (IPK)
The doctor Francisco Duran, national director of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), reported that these cases were identified through follow-up and surveillance actions of non-specific febrile syndromes. All patients have evolved favorably, improving between the third and fourth day since the onset of the disease, stated the specialist.
Likewise, he explained that Oropouche fever presents a mild clinical picture, with an incubation period of 5 to 7 days, and is characterized by fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain. In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea are also reported.
Although some patients may experience a second episode of symptoms similar to the initial one around the sixth day, no sequelae or serious cases or deaths have been reported. There is no specific treatment for this disease, so it is recommended to see a doctor to receive general measures to relieve symptoms.
Regarding dengue, the expert pointed out an increase in the incidence rate of suspected cases in recent weeks, especially in the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud, and in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, Holguín and Cienfuegos.
Unlike the Oropouche virus, dengue can evolve into severe forms and cause death, which is why the need to seek timely medical attention is emphasized.
Both viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes: dengue by Aedes aegypti and Oropouche fever caused by mosquitoes of the genus Culex and diptera of the genus Culicidae (Culicoid midge). This situation is complicated due to inadequate environmental conditions, high temperatures and increased rainfall in the national territory.
In addition, the country maintains surveillance of Acute Respiratory Infections, showing a decrease of 8.4% in the number of medical care for this cause. Currently, the endemic corridor is in the security zone, no cases of COVID-19 have been reported, and the circulation of Influenza A viruses and non-pandemic Coronavirus has been demonstrated.
To address this complex epidemiological situation, the main directors of the MINSAP are making a tour of all the provinces and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud, evaluating the preparation and organization of the territories.
Durán emphasized the importance of the participation and cooperation of the population. He recommended immediately going to the health system for symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pain, general malaise, diarrhea and vomiting.
He also insisted on complying with the home or hospital admission measures as appropriate, supporting sanitation initiatives in homes and workplaces, and collaborating with the campaign operators in each location to carry out focal and/or adulticidal treatment actions.
