Health authorities on the Isla de la Juventud have reported a severe situation regarding the Aedes aegypti mosquito, marked by high mosquito concentration and a lack of resources to combat the disease. Bárbara Daudinot Gómez, director of Public Health in this special Cuban municipality, acknowledged the troubling health scenario and noted that resources are so scarce that fumigation is currently done only where absolutely necessary, she told the state-run newspaper Victoria.
The authorities are urging residents to regularly conduct self-inspections inside their homes and surrounding areas, paying special attention to potential mosquito breeding sites. Daudinot Gómez highlighted that most positive larvae are found in households, particularly in low-lying tanks and other containers located in specific parts of homes.
"For self-inspections, no resources are needed," stated the official, who also mentioned that primary symptoms of the disease include dehydration and very high fever. According to the director, studies have been conducted to determine the disease's transmission patterns, revealing significant changes.
"In the past five years, the outbreak typically started around weeks 25, 26, or 27, which coincide with July and August. However, in 2023, due to atmospheric conditions and other factors like the water supply issues that force residents to store water at home, the outbreak has started earlier," she confirmed.
She warned that "this increases the risk, hence the need for heightened attention to prevent the situation from becoming more severe." On the Isla de la Juventud, she stated that there are "25 positive blocks and three recurrent ones, which also face environmental health risks. One of these belongs to the 26 de Julio Popular Council, and two to Pueblo Nuevo."
The most affected age groups are those between five and 24 years old, as well as those 65 and older, with the latter being the group showing the highest number of positive cases. The dengue situation in Cuba worsens this time of year, historically marked by an increase in the presence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also transmits other diseases like Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever.
Understanding the Dengue Crisis in Isla de la Juventud
To provide further clarity on the dengue outbreak in Isla de la Juventud, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What are the primary symptoms of dengue fever?
The primary symptoms include dehydration and very high fever.
Why has the dengue outbreak started earlier in 2023?
The outbreak began earlier due to atmospheric conditions and water supply issues that compel residents to store water at home, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Which areas are most affected by dengue on Isla de la Juventud?
The most affected areas include 25 positive blocks, with three recurrent ones located in the 26 de Julio Popular Council and Pueblo Nuevo.
Which age groups are most affected by dengue fever?
The most affected age groups are those between five and 24 years old and those 65 years and older.