The number of people infected with the Oropouche fever virus (OROV) in Santiago de Cuba has soared to the point where hospital wards are exceeding their capacity. A video shared on Twitter by the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights captures the dire situation at the Saturnino Lora Hospital, where beds have been placed in the hallways due to the influx of patients.
"To make matters worse, the healthcare service is crippled by a lack of supplies, instruments, stretchers, sheets, and more," states the tweet.
Last week, residents of Santiago de Cuba reported that the country is ill-equipped to combat the Oropouche virus due to the accumulation of garbage dumps, sewage leaks, lack of resources for fumigation, and frequent power outages.
Dr. Roberto Serrano, from the municipality of Songo la Maya, the epicenter of the outbreak on the island, told Martí Noticias that there are numerous cases with high fever, severe headaches, sacro-lumbar pain, and muscle pain in the lower limbs, accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
"It's a pretty alarming condition that severely affects people's health," he said. "People have collapsed on the street because it's quite intense. I'm telling you this because I experienced it myself. I've been dealing with it for almost a week, and today I managed to go to work, thank God," he added.
Serrano also noted that the population lacks mosquito nets, making it very difficult to protect against the mosquito that transmits the virus, the Culex quinquefasciatus, a type of gnat so small it's hardly visible when it bites and is prevalent in the area.
"When someone in the neighborhood gets infected, the whole neighborhood is affected. There is absolutely nothing available in clinics or pharmacies, not even dipyrone to reduce fever," he emphasized.
The Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) sent a letter to directors and heads of postgraduate departments on the island, warning that the current epidemiological situation could become "more complex" due to the increase in episodes of "non-specific" fever in Santiago de Cuba.
Miguel Ángel Ruano, a Cuban doctor residing in Colombia and president of the Free Cuban Medical Guild, obtained access to the letter, in which a MINSAP official admits, "There are no vaccines or specific antiviral medications available to treat OROV infection." As a result, patients are given palliative treatment, "focused on relieving pain, rehydrating the patient, and controlling any vomiting that may occur."
In an interview with CiberCuba, Ruano emphasized that "the healthcare system is not prepared to face" this epidemic and the lack of resources may cause many of the infections to develop into more severe conditions like meningitis or encephalitis.
FAQs on Oropouche Fever Outbreak in Santiago de Cuba
As the Oropouche fever outbreak worsens in Santiago de Cuba, many are seeking information about the virus and the current healthcare situation. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is Oropouche fever?
Oropouche fever is a viral infection transmitted by the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito. Symptoms include high fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Why are hospitals in Santiago de Cuba overwhelmed?
Hospitals are overwhelmed due to the sudden surge in Oropouche fever cases, compounded by a lack of medical supplies, instruments, and staff.
What measures are being taken to combat the outbreak?
Currently, patients are receiving palliative care to manage symptoms. There is a significant lack of resources for more effective measures, such as vaccines and antiviral medications.
How can individuals protect themselves from Oropouche fever?
Individuals should use mosquito nets and repellents, although these resources are in short supply. It's also crucial to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed.