Cuba is currently facing a serious healthcare challenge as a surge of mosquito-borne illnesses, notably chikungunya and dengue fever, threatens the well-being of its population. This situation is particularly critical, with nearly one-third of the population reported to be impacted, highlighting the intersection of public health and socio-economic factors that continue to affect the country. In response, local health authorities are implementing focused initiatives to address the outbreak, mirroring their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cuba is battling a notable wave of mosquito-borne illnesses, with health officials raising alarms about nearly one-third of the population being affected. Francisco Duran, national director of epidemiology at the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, characterized the situation as “acute,” emphasizing that significant portions of the workforce are sickened by these diseases.
In response, fumigators armed with fogging machines have been deployed in Havana, one of the hardest-hit areas, to combat the spread of dengue fever and chikungunya. This effort mirrors the country’s previous fight against COVID-19, emphasizing Cuba’s commitment to maintaining public health.
Dengue fever is a long-standing challenge for Cuba, but the situation has worsened due to the ongoing economic crisis, which has limited the government’s capacity for essential public health interventions such as fumigation and waste management. The chikungunya virus, which causes severe headaches, rashes, and chronic joint pain, has also seen a rapid increase in cases.
Currently, Cuban health authorities are conducting two clinical trials to explore treatment options for chikungunya. One involves Jusviza, an injectable drug aimed at controlling hyperinflammation, while another tests the efficacy of rectal ozone therapy for alleviating joint pain in recovering patients.
As of 2025, chikungunya has infected nearly 340,000 people worldwide, resulting in numerous fatalities across multiple nations. In response to this alarming trend, the World Health Organization has issued a call to action to prevent a potential global epidemic.
Cuba’s healthcare system, once a cornerstone of its social fabric, has faced unprecedented challenges partly due to a long-standing economic embargo imposed by the United States. This embargo has severely restricted access to essential resources, leaving citizens to contend with food, fuel, and medicine shortages. In more vulnerable communities, the inability to afford insect repellent poses additional challenges in controlling mosquito populations. Frequent power outages further exacerbate the situation, forcing families to keep windows open, thereby increasing the risk of mosquito bites.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez has voiced strong criticism against the U.S. embargo, labeling it as a policy of collective punishment that systematically violates human rights. He asserts that the embargo indiscriminately affects all sectors of society, calling for an end to the punitive measures as the nation strives to overcome its health crisis and improve the living conditions for its citizens.
#HealthNews #WorldNews