Cuban expert updates on epidemiological situation in the country

HAVANA, Cuba, Aug 20 (ACN) The epidemiological situation in Cuba is complex today, due to the co-circulation of several viruses such as influenza, dengue and oropouche, detected for the first time in the country since May and currently spreading in the 15 provinces, informed Dr. Francisco Duran, national director of Hygiene and Epidemiology, to the Cuban News Agency.

About oropouche, caused by the bite of the culex and culicoide mosquito, he said that there is a considerable increase in cases and a continuous surveillance is maintained because although it was considered benign, recent experiences have shown that it can cause serious complications.

He pointed out that in Brazil severe cases were reported, including meningnoencephalitis, but in the Caribbean island there are no deaths due to this arboviroysis, but the health systems remain alert, with emphasis on the attention to vulnerable groups such as pregnant women to avoid congenital anomalies.

The expert emphasized that as a result of climate change and other social phenomena such as migrations, this virus has changed from occurring exclusively in rural areas to affecting the urban population, which has led to an increase in the number of cases.

Duran explained that they are observing all the clinical manifestations of the febrile syndrome and there are cases with up to three relapses in a month, as the symptoms of general malaise and fever return.

He affirmed that there is much to be studied about this new disease, therefore it is of vital importance for the population to go immediately to the doctor in case of any symptoms associated with headaches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea and high temperatures.

The national director of Hygiene and Epidemiology pointed out 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, which makes clinical management and decision-making on preventive measures difficult.

The current situation demands more research and understanding of arbovirosis, which is why the 18th edition of the International Course on Dengue and other Arbovirosis is being held at the Pedro Kouri Institute of Tropical Medicine to train health personnel in their prevention and control.