The spread of Oropouche fever is worsening in Santiago de Cuba, with municipalities in the region seeing a rise in patients exhibiting symptoms of the disease. In San Luis, authorities have detected over 130 fever cases daily.
This information was confirmed by Dr. Dorequis Cervantes Martínez, Director of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the municipality, who described the health situation as "complicated" during an interview on the local radio station Radio Majaguabo.
"A few weeks ago, we began to see a significant increase in fever cases, with an average of up to 133 daily," said Cervantes Martínez. Despite these numbers, authorities are hesitant to classify these cases as confirmed Oropouche virus infections, even though the patients show symptoms of the disease. "We have had suspicions about some patients presenting symptoms suggestive of this disease, such as fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and fatigue. Some patients have also experienced vomiting and diarrhea," she explained.
In addition to these complications, San Luis is also dealing with cases of dengue fever, which has symptoms similar to those of Oropouche. "Currently, we have 82 patients who have tested positive for dengue, distributed across urban areas of the municipality, including the community polyclinic, the integral clinic, and the area of Dos Caminos," noted Cervantes Martínez.
Measures and Response
Among the measures taken, Dr. Cervantes Martínez mentioned the opening of two emergency rooms to help alleviate congestion in the municipal hospital.
Last Tuesday, the Provincial Health Directorate in Santiago de Cuba confirmed the presence of Oropouche fever cases in various health areas of the main municipality, and also in Bahía Blanca (part of Guamá) and Palmarito (in Mella). A note posted on Facebook indicated an increase in reports of unspecified febrile syndromes in the mentioned health areas.
The neighboring province of Guantánamo is also on alert due to the disease, with more than 150 fever cases reported per week in June. Although health authorities in this eastern province have not confirmed any cases of the disease, a recent meeting highlighted the rise in people suffering from "febrile syndrome," according to a report from the official newspaper Venceremos.
Earlier this June, a 22-year-old from Santiago de Cuba died after being hospitalized with symptoms of Oropouche fever. Friends revealed that the young man was admitted to Ambrosio Grillo Hospital with symptoms of Oropouche fever and died three days later.
Understanding the Spread of Oropouche Fever in Santiago de Cuba
Here's a deeper look into the ongoing health crisis in Santiago de Cuba, focusing on the rise of Oropouche fever and related concerns.
What are the symptoms of Oropouche fever?
Symptoms of Oropouche fever include fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.
How many fever cases are reported daily in San Luis?
Authorities in San Luis have detected over 130 fever cases daily.
What other disease is prevalent in San Luis besides Oropouche fever?
San Luis is also dealing with cases of dengue fever, which has symptoms similar to those of Oropouche fever.