Confirmation of the presence of the Oropouche virus in nine provinces and 23 municipalities of Matanzas, Mayabeque, Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, Holguín, Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos, based on samples studied in the national laboratory of reference of the Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine (IPK), activate the health systems in the largest of the Antilles.
Dr. Francisco Durán, National Director of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Public Health (Minsap), explained that, through follow-up and surveillance actions of non-specific febrile syndromes, these cases were identified, where all have evolved favorably, with improvement of symptoms between the third and fourth day of the onset of the disease.
In statements to the press, he explained that the clinical picture that manifests as a consequence of the disease is mild, preceded by an incubation period of 5 to 7 days, which is characterized by fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, sometimes Vomiting and diarrhea are also reported.
“Associated with the virus, in a group of patients it is observed that on the sixth day a condition similar to the initial one appears – he noted – that leaves no sequelae and is not associated with the appearance of serious forms or deaths.”
He stressed that there is no specific treatment, only general measures to alleviate the symptoms, while insisting on the importance of always going to the doctor in situations like those he describes.
The National Director of Epidemiology – regarding Dengue – detailed that, in recent weeks, an increase in the incidence rate of suspected cases has been reported, being higher in the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud and the provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo , Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, Holguín and Cienfuegos. “Unlike Oropouche, the clinical picture of this disease can evolve into serious forms and cause death, which is why we insist on the need to see a doctor in a timely manner.”
Within his assessments he pointed out that both viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes, Dengue by Aedes aegypti and Oropouche Fever (OROV) by mosquitoes of the genus Culex and diptera of the genus culicidae (Jejen culicoide), characteristics that make the epidemiological scenario in the region more complex. Island and its control; together with the inadequate environmental conditions, in addition to the current high temperatures and increased rainfall in the national territory.
«In conjunction with this situation, the country maintains surveillance of Acute Respiratory Infections, he stressed, showing a decrease of 8.4% in the number of medical care for this cause, when the endemic corridor is in the security zone; “There are no cases of covid-19 reported, and the circulation of the Influenza A virus and non-pandemic Coronavirus is demonstrated.”
In this context, and to evaluate the epidemiological situation and the preparation and organization of the territories in the face of challenging complexities, the main directors of the Minsap made a tour of all the provinces and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud.
For Dr. Francisco Durán, the most important thing now is the participation and cooperation of the population; Immediately go to the health system if symptoms appear such as fever, headache, joint pain, general malaise, diarrhea, vomiting; comply with home or hospital admission measures as appropriate; support and carry out own sanitation initiatives in homes, workplaces and their surroundings; as well as contributing to the campaign operators in each location in the execution of focal and/or adulticidal treatment actions.
(Taken from the Minsap website)
