Irina Diéguez Toledo, a Cuban resident fed up with the relentless mosquito infestation, has taken extreme measures to combat the pesky insects. She has allowed spiders to freely spin their webs in her home in Cerro, Havana, hoping to alleviate the issue.
On Facebook, Diéguez has documented her "hunts" and identified the root cause of the problem: her house is on a corner surrounded by leaks, potholes, and a broken sewer, creating a large stagnant pool.
Important Notice: The practices described in this article, such as using spiders to control mosquito populations, are personal initiatives of the protagonist and should not be considered a substitute for conventional pest control methods.
In a recent post, she mentioned that she has stopped cleaning the ceilings to allow the spiders to thrive, hoping their webs will trap the mosquitoes. She also installed screens on the windows, but insects still enter whenever she opens the doors, which happens frequently due to daily errands.
Despite this, she dedicates some time each day to manually kill additional insects. Although the scene might seem bizarre, it puts the sanity and health of Diéguez and her family at risk. They are exposed to potentially dangerous mosquito-borne diseases like dengue or Oropouche Fever.
"They don't care if we get sick or die," Diéguez lamented on social media, alarmed and desperate over the rising number of ill individuals in Cuba. She has raised the issue in various forums, including local government offices, highlighting that it is not just her but the entire community at risk.
On August 6, Diéguez shared on Facebook an email addressed to the Presidential Office, in which she reported that her 83-year-old bedridden uncle, who is in fragile health, was exposed to dangerous diseases. She noted that she received no response from the involved entities, and the director of a polyclinic in Cerro had reported the situation without any reply.
"Administrative silence is a form of violence. I am not demanding anything beyond their duty and competence," she emphasized.
Diéguez's concerns are well-founded, especially after the regime acknowledged in July that the Oropouche virus has spread to nearly the entire country, and there are no resources to initiate fumigation campaigns to prevent the spread of the mosquito vector. The National Director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), Francisco Durán, confirmed on national television that the virus is more prevalent in rural and semi-rural areas, with patients presenting symptoms similar to dengue.
According to Durán, "The current epidemiological situation in Cuba is similar to last year, with diarrheal diseases caused by the heat and poor food conditions; dengue has been endemic for many years with case increases at certain times of the year. Between sanitation difficulties, heavy rains, and heat that accelerates mosquito breeding, there are ideal conditions for its spread," he explained.
Previously, the specialist mentioned that the country lacks fuel for mosquito fumigation amidst the growing presence of the Oropouche virus in Cuba.
Understanding Cuba's Mosquito Infestation and Health Risks
Here are some frequently asked questions about the mosquito infestation in Cuba and the health risks associated with it, particularly focusing on the measures taken by individuals and the government's response.
Why did Irina Diéguez Toledo let spiders spin webs in her home?
Irina Diéguez Toledo allowed spiders to spin webs in her home to help control the mosquito population, as conventional methods have proved ineffective.
What are the health risks associated with the mosquito infestation in Cuba?
The health risks include mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Oropouche Fever, which can be severe and sometimes fatal.
What has been the Cuban government's response to the mosquito problem?
The Cuban government has acknowledged the spread of the Oropouche virus but admitted they lack resources to initiate effective fumigation campaigns.
Has Irina Diéguez received any support from local authorities?
No, Irina Diéguez has reported the issue to local authorities and even the Presidential Office but has not received any substantial response or support.