Exiled Cubans have voiced their concerns about the potential spread of the Oropouche virus to Florida and have called on the U.S. government to temporarily halt travel to the island. In a report by AméricaTevé, members of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance (ARC) in Miami highlighted that these trips could facilitate the transmission of the disease, which is spread by mosquitos and causes symptoms similar to dengue, including fever and headache.
The rise in both diseases, with over 500 Cubans diagnosed with Oropouche, prompted the ARC to send a message to the White House seeking urgent measures. In a press conference, Dr. Alfredo Melgar, an internal medicine specialist, urged authorities and the international community to take stringent actions. It is important to note that the disease is present in all Cuban provinces.
Dr. Melgar also pointed out that the spread of the virus poses a significant risk, further complicated by the presence of the mosquito vector in Florida. To date, there have been more than 20 cases of travelers who visited Cuba and arrived in Florida sick, leading exiles to believe that the Level 2 travel alert issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is insufficient.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued an international alert noting that there is no antiviral treatment or vaccine for Oropouche, and those infected can develop aseptic meningitis. According to the EFE agency, the Cuban exile community also sent a letter to Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniela Levine Cava, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott.
In recent months, up to 8,000 confirmed cases have been detected in areas of South America and the Caribbean, including Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and Cuba, warranting a health alert. Additionally, imported cases to Europe through travelers from Cuba are on the rise, according to official data from European health authorities.
Just a few days ago, it was reported that three residents of the Canary Islands were diagnosed after returning from a vacation in Cuba, according to sources from the Canary Islands Health Service. The affected individuals include two men from Tenerife, aged 52 and 36, and a 32-year-old woman from Gran Canaria.
Oropouche Virus Concerns for Florida
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the potential spread of the Oropouche virus to Florida and its implications.
What is the Oropouche virus?
The Oropouche virus is a mosquito-borne disease that causes symptoms similar to dengue, including fever and headache. It can also lead to aseptic meningitis.
Why are exiled Cubans concerned about the virus spreading to Florida?
Exiled Cubans are concerned because the disease is present in all Cuban provinces and can be easily transmitted by travelers returning to Florida, where the mosquito vector is also present.
What measures are being requested to prevent the spread of the virus?
The Assembly of the Cuban Resistance (ARC) has called on the U.S. government to temporarily halt travel to Cuba and has urged authorities and the international community to take stringent actions to prevent the spread of the virus.
Is there any treatment or vaccine for the Oropouche virus?
Currently, there is no antiviral treatment or vaccine for the Oropouche virus, making preventive measures and awareness crucial.