Cuban health authorities are cautiously optimistic about gaining control of a widespread arboviral epidemic impacting the island nation, with officials now predicting potential control by early next year.The update comes as President Miguel Díaz-canel Bermúdez convenes weekly meetings with leading scientists adn health experts to address the ongoing outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses like chikungunya-threat-mosquitoes-spread-in-europe-politico/” title=”Dengue & … Threat: Mosquitoes Spread in Europe – POLITICO”>dengue and chikungunya. While recent data indicates a decline in fever syndromes-a key metric-challenges remain in specific regions,and continued preventative measures are critical to sustaining progress against these public health threats [[2]].
Cuban health officials are predicting full control of the country’s arboviral epidemic by early next year, according to Raúl Guinovart, Director of Science and Technology at the University of Havana.
Guinovart shared the assessment during a weekly meeting of health experts and scientists convened by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez to address the spread of mosquito-borne viral diseases. The meetings highlight the country’s science-driven approach to tackling public health challenges.
While incidence rates are decreasing across the Caribbean nation, some regions continue to experience increases in reported cases. Specifically, the provinces of Las Tunas and Holguín, along with the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud, are showing a rising trend.
Guinovart emphasized the importance of maintaining current public health measures to sustain the positive progress being made. Continued vigilance is crucial to prevent a resurgence of these diseases.
Carilda Peña García, Deputy Minister of Public Health (Minsap), confirmed a 25.8 percent decrease in reported fever syndromes compared to the previous week. This decline indicates a positive shift in controlling the outbreak, which includes both dengue and chikungunya cases.
All provinces have reported decreases, though they remain classified as experiencing an epidemic. Matanzas, where the initial outbreak of chikungunya began in Cuba, is now considered to be on a successful trajectory, according to epidemiological terms.
There were 5,638 fewer visits to healthcare facilities for fever syndromes over the past seven days, a key indicator of epidemic control. This reduction in patient volume suggests that interventions are effectively curbing the spread of both dengue and chikungunya.
Dr. Ailuj Casanova Barreto, Director General of Medical and Social Care at Minsap, stated that over 93 percent of pregnant women at 37 weeks gestation are currently hospitalized. This proactive measure aims to protect both mothers and their babies, who are considered the most vulnerable population during an arboviral outbreak.
Currently, 27 patients are in critical condition, with children representing the largest proportion of these cases. However, officials noted an increased awareness of risk among parents, leading to earlier visits to healthcare facilities and improved prognoses for children receiving treatment.
“If we continue on this path, we can close the year without any maternal deaths due to arbovirosis in the country,” Dr. Casanova added. This optimistic outlook reflects the success of preventative measures and improved patient care.
The meeting, which included Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, also addressed advancements in care for patients experiencing the chronic stage of chikungunya. This includes the establishment of multidisciplinary consultations involving specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pediatrics, Natural and Traditional Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Psychology.
In Matanzas, over 5,000 patients have received care, and approximately 60 percent required rehabilitation services. This underscores the importance of these multidisciplinary consultations throughout Cuba as patients recover from the long-term effects of chikungunya.
Tomado de PL
