Havana – Cuba’s public health system is under immense strain as a widespread outbreak of arboviral diseases-primarily dengue and chikungunya-continues to escalate across the island nation. As of December 18, 2025, officials have reported 52 deaths linked to these mosquito-borne illnesses, a surge that comes amid critical shortages of medicines and essential medical supplies [[3]]. The situation is especially concerning for vulnerable populations, with a disproportionate number of severe cases occurring in children and infants.
Cuba is facing a growing outbreak of arboviral diseases, with the death toll reaching 52 as of December 18, 2025, according to recent reports from the island’s health authorities. The surge in fatalities comes as officials report five additional deaths in recent days, highlighting the ongoing public health challenge.
The majority of deaths are attributed to either chikungunya, with 34 confirmed cases, or dengue fever, responsible for 18 fatalities. Overall, Cuba has recorded 47,003 cases of chikungunya, including 1,652 laboratory-confirmed infections and over 45,000 suspected clinical cases.
The spread of these viruses is impacting all 15 provinces and the special municipality, affecting 132 municipalities and 241 healthcare areas, Carilda Peña GarcÃa, the Deputy Minister of Public Health, stated in a national television broadcast. This widespread transmission underscores the difficulty of containing the outbreak across the country.
Health officials are particularly concerned about the condition of 36 patients currently hospitalized in intensive care. Of those, 24 are listed in serious condition and 12 are critical, with a significant proportion being children under the age of 18, including infants and adolescents. More than 2,000 individuals are also experiencing febrile syndrome, and dengue continues to circulate.
Recent rainfall has hampered vector control and fumigation efforts, leading to a persistently high infestation index, particularly in the provinces of Camagüey, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Pinar del RÃo. While there has been a slight decrease in the number of cases, the Ministry of Public Health has warned that the epidemic is expected to remain active in the coming months, and preventative measures will not be relaxed. This sustained activity emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and public health interventions.
Ultimo aggiornamento: giovedì 18 dicembre 2025, 20:02
© RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA
