Health alarm in Cuba over rise in dengue and Oropouche fever cases

Cuba faces new health warning due to… increase in cases of dengue and Oropouche fever in several provinces of the country.

Confirmation of the Oropouche virus in nine provinces and 23 municipalities, detected at the national reference laboratory of the Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Curi (IPK), has reinvigorated health systems on the island.

Municipalities of Matanzas, Mayabeque, Villa Clara, Sancti SpiritusCiego de Avila, Holguin, Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba And A hundred firesconfirmed the presence of Oropouche virus in samples studied at the national reference laboratory of the Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Curi (IPK).

Doctor Francisco DuranThe National Director of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health (MINSAP) said that these cases were identified during follow-up and surveillance activities for non-specific febrile syndromes. All patients developed favorably, improving between the third and fourth days from the onset of the disease, the specialist stated.

In addition, he explained that Oropouche fever has a mild clinical picture with an incubation period of 5 to 7 days and is characterized by fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported in some cases.

Although some patients may experience a second episode of symptoms similar to the initial one around the sixth day, no sequelae, serious cases, or deaths have been reported. There is no specific treatment for this disease, so it is recommended to consult a doctor for general measures to relieve symptoms.

Regarding dengue, the expert noted an increase in the number of suspected cases in recent weeks, especially in the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud, as well as in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Ciego de Avila, Camagüey, Holguin and Cienfuegos.

Unlike the Oropush virus, dengue fever can become severe and fatal, which is why the need to seek medical help in a timely manner is emphasized.

Both viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes: dengue fever Aedes aegypti and Oropouche fever, caused by mosquitoes of the genus Culex and Diptera genera Kulicides (Culicoid midge). This situation is complicated by unsatisfactory environmental conditions, high temperatures and increased precipitation throughout the country.

In addition, the country is conducting surveillance for acute respiratory infections, which shows an 8.4% decrease in the number of requests for medical help for this reason. Currently, the endemic corridor is in a safe zone, no cases of Covid-19 have been registered, and circulation of influenza A viruses and non-pandemic coronavirus has been recorded.

To cope with this difficult epidemiological situation, the main directors of MINSAP are touring all provinces and the special municipality of Isla de la Juventud, assessing the preparation and organization of the territories.

Durán emphasized the importance of community participation and cooperation. He recommended immediately contacting the health system in case of symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pain, general malaise, diarrhea and vomiting.

He also insisted on maintaining home or hospital hospitalization measures if necessary, supporting sanitation initiatives in homes and workplaces, and collaborating with campaign operators in each location to implement focal and/or anti-adult activities.

“The island’s health system is not prepared for the Oropouche virus”

Miguel Angel RuanoPresident of the Free Cuban Medical Guild and resident physician in Colombia, had access to a letter that MINSAP sent to directors and heads of postgraduate units on the island. warning that the current epidemiological situation could become “more complex”.

In it, the authorities refer to the increase in episodes of “non-specific” fever that occurred in Santiago de Cuba and which the official press was forced to acknowledge.

According to Ruano, “the health system is not ready to cope” with the Oropouche epidemic on the largest of the Antilles islands. and lack of resources may result in many of these infections being complicated by meningitis or encephalitis, which are much more serious..

In fact, in a letter to those responsible for graduate school, Professor Jose Luis Aparicio SuarezCEO of Medical Teaching, acknowledged that “there are currently no vaccines or specific antiviral drugs to treat OROV infection.”

Therefore, the recommended treatment approach is palliative, “focused on relieving pain, rehydrating the patient, and controlling any vomiting that may occur.”

He also warned that in situations where “the disease manifests itself in a neuroinvasive manner, it will be necessary to hospitalize the patient in specialized departments that allow for constant monitoring.”

In an interview provided CyberCubaRuano explained that in the MINSAP letter, he talks about the need to prepare those responsible for the departments, taking into account the warning of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) about outbreaks of the Oropouche virus (OROV).

According to the document he had access to CyberCuba and which was sent to the Free Cuban Medical Guild by its affiliates on the island, the incubation period is 5 to 7 days, during which patients experience high fever, headache with photophobia, myalgia, arthralgia and in some cases rash.

“In some patients, symptoms may be more severe and include vomiting and bleeding,” the letter said, adding that the infection could last 2 to 3 weeks.

Authorities also acknowledged that “in exceptional situations” ADS can cause meningitis and encephalitis, with patients experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, lethargy, nystagmus and neck stiffness. As usual, the virus can be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid.

Finally, the letter discusses vector control measures that aim to “reduce mosquito populations by identifying and eliminating vector development and resting sites.”