The Ministry of Public Health has yet to identify the new virus affecting the population of Santiago de Cuba. Initial cases have been examined, and samples are being analyzed at the Pedro Kouri Institute of Tropical Medicine since earlier this week. However, the government has not yet disclosed the specific nature of the illness.
Symptoms include high fever, headache, pain in the eyes or back, and in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea, which resemble those of dengue. The illness appears to spread similarly to the common flu.
Medical Advice and Government Response
In a broadcast on Provincial Television, Dr. Luis E. Rondón, head of pediatrics in Santiago de Cuba, urged parents not to keep children with symptoms at home and to seek medical assistance, especially for infants under one year old. He noted that some cases have required hospitalization following medical protocols, but no fatalities have been reported so far.
Dr. Tania Carbonell, deputy director of Health at Saturnino Lora Hospital in Santiago, emphasized that no severe cases have been recorded. However, she warned about alarming signs of this illness, which include persistent fever, intense pain, bleeding, vomiting, and mental state changes. These symptoms can also be associated with dengue, complicating the diagnosis. She also cautioned against using aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, as they could cause bleeding.
Dr. Luis E. Rosabal, deputy director of Epidemiology in Santiago de Cuba, indicated that the outbreak originated in the municipalities of Santiago and Songo La Maya, where an increase in febrile cases negative for dengue was detected. While the disease is viral and currently considered benign, strict surveillance and enhanced hygiene and vector control measures are recommended to curb transmission.
Dr. Raúl Leyva, head of the Provincial ProHealth Department, stressed the importance of boiling water and using sodium hypochlorite to prevent infections, as the exact virus responsible for the outbreak remains unidentified. He insisted that patients should not stay home and should seek medical attention, while also staying informed through the media about the situation's progression.
Lastly, although symptoms can be confused with dengue, health authorities insist that this is a different virus under investigation, and standard protocols for viral diseases in Cuba should be followed.
Understanding the Unidentified Virus in Santiago de Cuba
To provide more clarity on this emerging health issue, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What are the symptoms of this unidentified virus?
The symptoms include high fever, headache, pain in the eyes or back, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms resemble those of dengue.
How is the virus transmitted?
The virus appears to spread in a manner similar to the common flu.
What precautions should be taken to prevent infection?
Authorities recommend boiling water, using sodium hypochlorite, maintaining strict hygiene, and seeking medical attention if symptoms appear.