Cuba Faces Escalating Health Crisis with Chikungunya Epidemic & Concurrent Dengue Cases
havana, cuba - Cuban health officials have officially declared a nationwide chikungunya epidemic, as the mosquito-borne virus spreads rapidly across the island. Dr. Francisco Durán García, National Director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), reported on Friday that 31,513 suspected cases of chikungunya have been diagnosed.
The virus,transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito – the same vector responsible for dengue fever – is currently active in 14 of Cuba’s 15 provinces,affecting 99 municipalities and 164 health areas. Dr. Durán characterized this widespread presence as “sustained epidemic behavior.”
Adding too the public health challenge, Cuba is simultaneously experiencing a meaningful number of dengue cases. The latest reports indicate 847 confirmed cases of dengue alongside the 753 new suspected chikungunya cases reported on the same day. While dengue is considered to have an endemic presence – meaning consistently present but stable – the concurrent outbreaks are straining resources.
Currently, 5,713 patients are hospitalized with suspected chikungunya, with the vast majority (5,607) receiving care at home. However, a concerning 95 patients are in intensive care, with 77 in serious condition and 18 critically ill. A especially vulnerable population is being impacted, as 63 of the seriously ill patients and 16 of the critically ill are children under the age of 18.
Officials attribute the rapid spread to a high mosquito infestation rate of 0.73, which Dr. Durán described as a “high risk of transmission.” The provinces of Camagüey, Pinar del Río, Sancti Spíritus, and Villa Clara are reporting the highest infestation rates.
The response to the outbreak is hampered by logistical challenges within the public health system.Dr. Durán acknowledged limitations in fumigation efforts, citing that 142 teams were unable to operate the previous day - 109 due to personnel shortages and 33 due to equipment breakdowns. Moreover, he stated that no extra-domiciliary adulticidal treatments were conducted in Mayabeque, Matanzas, Camagüey, Las Tunas, or the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud in recent days.
Health authorities are urging citizens to prioritize preventative measures, including rigorous sanitation practices in homes and workplaces, and to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as prolonged fever, dehydration, or loss of consciousness.While chikungunya infection typically confers lifelong immunity, officials warn that it can led to lasting health complications and symptom recurrence. Currently, no vaccine exists to prevent chikungunya.
Despite acknowledging the “very complex” situation, Dr. Durán affirmed that the health system is working to address the crisis ”to the extent possible.” However, public concern remains high, with citizens expressing frustration over the perceived delayed response and the pre-existing strains on Cuba’s healthcare infrastructure.
