In Santiago de Cuba, a province grappling with a severe shortage of medications and the confirmed circulation of dengue, influenza, Oropouche virus, and SARS-CoV-2, specialists are sounding the alarm about a hazardous practice: families treating fever with herbal tea.
Dr. Daritza Rodríguez Olivares, head of the Maternal and Child Care Program in Santiago de Cuba, warned that children affected by this virus can suffer from diarrhea and vomiting, as reported by the state-run channel Tele Turquino.
In recent days, a dangerous trend has been observed: “Herbal teas made from various plants are being administered to children in both rural and urban areas. Sometimes these teas are made with toxic plants that can worsen the children's condition, necessitating intensive care.”
While Dr. Rodríguez's alert aims to protect children's health by highlighting a risky practice, it does not mention the reasons why parents resort to administering herbal tea. This situation stems from the lack of basic medications such as antidiarrheals and antipyretics, the latter used to reduce fever and relieve discomfort.
The regime has acknowledged the medication shortage multiple times, promoting natural remedies as a solution to their inability to manufacture or import synthetic drugs. The shortage of medications is not limited to Santiago de Cuba's pharmacies; hospitals have also reported a lack of essential drugs, including dipyrone for reducing fever.
The medication crisis, which the ruling Miguel Díaz-Canel has announced will persist, coincides with the confirmed presence of the Oropouche virus in Cuba. Regarding this dangerous disease, Rodríguez emphasized that cases of children with fevers are particularly frequent among those under ten years old: “The population perceives that since Oropouche does not kill, it is not a problem, and this leads to complications as they arrive late to hospitals.”
Recently, Havana and Las Tunas confirmed the presence of the new virus among their populations, indicating that the pathogen is spreading throughout the country, with 12 provinces now affected by Oropouche.
Understanding the Oropouche Virus Crisis in Cuba
In light of the growing concerns about the Oropouche virus and the use of herbal remedies, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help clarify the situation.
What is the Oropouche virus?
The Oropouche virus is a mosquito-borne virus that causes symptoms similar to those of dengue fever, including fever, headache, and muscle pain.
Why are parents using herbal tea to treat fever?
Due to the severe shortage of basic medications like antipyretics and antidiarrheals, parents are resorting to herbal remedies to treat their children's fever and discomfort.
What are the risks of using herbal tea for children with the Oropouche virus?
Herbal teas can sometimes be made with toxic plants, which can worsen the condition of children and lead to severe health complications requiring intensive care.