Cuban Doctors Detail widespread Chikungunya and Dengue Crisis as Cases Surge
Matanzas, Cuba – October 16, 2025 – Doctors at the IPK (Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute) are reporting a rapidly escalating health crisis in Cuba driven by outbreaks of chikungunya and dengue fever, wiht the situation described as a “month and a half or two in growth and proliferation.” The outbreaks are overwhelming the already strained Cuban healthcare system, leading to reports of collapsed infrastructure and critical shortages of resources.
The spread of chikungunya is particularly concerning as it is indeed a new disease for the Cuban population, meaning limited existing immunity facilitates its rapid transmission. While fatalities from chikungunya are rare, the virus causes prolonged joint and muscle pain, impacting a notable portion of the population.
Dengue fever has also seen a surge, with the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (Minsap) finally acknowledging, on October 15th, the deaths of three people from dengue so far in 2025 – a recognition that came “after several days of denial.”
Contributing factors to the outbreaks include unplanned urbanization, difficulties in water supply, increased temperatures, and infrastructure problems such as frequent blackouts, the collapse of communal services, and inadequate garbage management.
Doctors report that hygienic-sanitary measures are being reinforced, and early medical assistance is being emphasized. Though, resource limitations, including shortages of insecticides and technical personnel, are hindering effective fumigation and vector control efforts.
The Cuban health system is currently described as “collapsed” due to the combined arbovirus cases and a lack of medical resources. Hospitals are reportedly facing deplorable conditions, with reports of poor patient care and shortages of essential medicines.Concerns have been raised regarding a lack of openness from official sources regarding the severity of the situation.
Vulnerable populations – young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses – are at increased risk of complications from both chikungunya and dengue.
