AREQUIPA, Peru – The epidemiological situation in Cuba is complex due to the co-circulation of several viruses such as influenza, dengue and Oropouche, acknowledged this Wednesday Dr. Francisco Duran, national director of Hygiene and Epidemiology.
Speaking to the official press On the Island, the director emphasized the Oropouche, indicating that the health authorities observe all the clinical manifestations of the febrile syndrome. In this regard, he warned that there are cases with up to three relapses in one month, as the symptoms of general malaise and fever return.
Duran confirmed that there has been a considerable increase in the number of cases of Oropouche and that ongoing surveillance is being maintained since recent experiences have shown that it can cause serious complications.
According to the specialist, severe cases including meningoencephalitis have been reported in Brazil, but on the island “there are no deaths from this arbovirus.”
He also said that there is much to study about this new disease and, despite the health crisis In the country, he stressed the importance of going to a medical center, since it is necessary to make an adequate diagnosis due to the co-circulation of several arboviruses in the region, such as dengue, which is known to develop serious forms.
Duran stressed that both viruses require drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration and warned about the danger of co-infections, such as dengue with Oropouche, since the symptoms overlap, making clinical management and decision-making on preventive measures difficult.
Since the first case of Oropouche was detected in Cuba On May 27, the island registered the presence of the virus in all its provinces, with more than 400 confirmed cases by early August.
The figure, which could be higher, was announced by the Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, during the inauguration of the 18th International Course on Dengue and other emerging arboviruses, which began this Monday in Havana.
Minister Portal Miranda, cited by the official Cubadebatestressed the urgency of addressing emerging diseases like Oropouche, especially in resource-limited communities where the impact of these diseases is disproportionate.
According to the minister, as of August 1, 2024, 8,076 confirmed cases and two deaths have been reported in five Latin American countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Cuba.
