The Provincial Health Directorate in Santiago de Cuba reported on Tuesday the confirmation of Oropouche Fever cases in several health areas of the main municipality, as well as in Bahía Blanca in Guamá and Palmarito in Mella.
As part of the active search process for febrile cases in the province, an increase in reports of unspecified febrile syndromes was evident in the mentioned health areas, the note shared on Facebook indicated.
The statement emphasized that knowledge of this disease has existed for six decades, and “there have been no reports of deaths from it.” However, the note signed by the Provincial Health Directorate in Santiago de Cuba did alert that “there could be cases with certain severity due to comorbidities or individual characteristics.”
Additionally, it informed that a press conference would be held this Wednesday at the General Directorate of Public Health to update the epidemiological situation regarding Oropouche Fever, Dengue, and strategies of the PAMI concerning the same.
The information comes at a crucial time, as social media reports from Santiago de Cuba indicate an alarming increase in the number of bodies at funeral homes, with alerts mentioning up to 29 deaths in a single day.
Since the confirmation of the presence of the Oropouche virus in Santiago de Cuba last May, the disease has affected the population, and it is suspected to have claimed at least one victim, although authorities have yet to confirm this information officially.
However, the province's health situation is further complicated by the confirmation of the circulation of two dengue serotypes, which could lead to severe clinical conditions.
The Provincial Department of Vector Surveillance and Control recently issued an alert regarding the presence of two variants of the dengue-causing virus, at a time when “the territory shows a high infestation of the transmitting agent,” especially in the main municipality, Palma Soriano, Contramaestre, Mella, and San Luis, where more arbovirus cases are reported.
Understanding the Oropouche and Dengue Health Crisis in Santiago de Cuba
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the current health crisis in Santiago de Cuba, focusing on the Oropouche and Dengue viruses.
What is Oropouche Fever?
Oropouche Fever is a viral disease transmitted primarily by biting midges. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain. It has been known for six decades and is not typically fatal.
How is Dengue transmitted?
Dengue is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Symptoms can range from mild fever to severe conditions like hemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome.
What measures are being taken to control the outbreaks?
The Provincial Department of Vector Surveillance and Control has issued alerts and is conducting active searches for febrile cases. Public health updates and strategies from PAMI are also being discussed in press conferences.
Are the reports of increased deaths related to these outbreaks?
While social media reports indicate an alarming increase in deaths, the authorities have not officially confirmed if these are directly related to the Oropouche and Dengue outbreaks.