Cuba has raised the death toll from the dengue and chikungunya epidemic to 55, confirming three new deaths associated with the chikungunya virus, according to Argentina's News Agency (NA) based on official information from Havana.
The Ministry of Public Health (Minsap) reported that of the total fatalities, 37 deaths were due to complications from chikungunya and 18 from dengue, while 43 patients remain in critical condition in intensive care units.
According to Minsap's Deputy Head, Carilda Peña, in the last 24 hours alone, 2,188 cases of unspecified febrile syndrome—a common initial symptom for both diseases—were registered, and 372 new chikungunya infections were confirmed, bringing the total number of infected by that virus to 47,756.
Underreporting and Vulnerable Groups
Health authorities have admitted to underreporting, as many patients do not go to medical centers and manage the illness at home. Peña warned that the majority of severe cases are in people under 18, and called for enhanced surveillance and early attention.
Trend and Forecast
The Deputy Minister highlighted as an encouraging sign that a sustained decrease in cases of unspecified febrile syndrome has been observed over the last seven weeks, which opens the possibility of, by year-end, declaring that some regions have interrupted transmission.
IP
The epidemic was officially declared in November and affects a country with universal and free health coverage, but faces material limitations for vector control.
