COVID-19 Variant Rumors in Cuba Addressed by Health Officials

The Cuban Ministry of Public Health's National Director of Epidemiology, Dr. Francisco Durán García, refuted claims on Wednesday regarding the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant on the island. He clarified that, to date, no new strain has been identified circulating in the country.

Speaking on the Cuban Television News System, Dr. Durán acknowledged the spread of information on social media and among the public concerning an alleged new coronavirus variant in Cuba, which he firmly denied. "It's a new variant that isn't actually new," he remarked, referring to the Omicron subvariants XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.16, detected since 2023 in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and several African and Southeast Asian nations.

The epidemiologist elaborated that while these subvariants are more contagious, they have not shown to be more virulent or cause more severe clinical symptoms compared to previous strains. "They haven't significantly increased mortality rates," he clarified.

According to Durán, the most common symptoms linked to these subvariants are fever, general discomfort, and conjunctivitis. He also emphasized that Cuban vaccines, such as Soberana and Abdala, remain effective against these strains. "Vaccines used globally, including ours, are effective against all these variants. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise," he asserted.

The Ongoing Presence of COVID-19

Dr. Durán addressed the mistaken belief that the virus has vanished: "Over the years, while some Cubans may feel COVID has disappeared, the Omicron variant and its subvariants have continued to circulate." He pointed out that one contributing factor to the virus's persistence globally is the refusal of some individuals to get vaccinated, especially in countries with strong anti-vaccine movements. "This perpetuates the virus's circulation," he explained, adding, "In Cuba and other nations with high vaccination coverage, the risk is considerably lower."

The expert urged the population to maintain their vaccination schedules with annual boosters, particularly those over 65, healthcare workers, and other vulnerable groups. "Annual booster shots are necessary," he emphasized. Children in Cuba receive their COVID vaccines starting at age two, which has helped sustain high immunization levels.

Health Concerns Beyond COVID-19

In addition to COVID-19 concerns, Cubans face the threat of other infectious diseases that severely impact public health. Dengue fever, in particular, has overwhelmed hospitals in several provinces, with thousands of patients admitted and medical infrastructure stretched to its limits. As of February, over 2,500 people were hospitalized, especially in eastern areas like Santiago de Cuba and Las Tunas.

Last November, the Ministry of Public Health warned that dengue and Oropouche virus transmission remained active in at least ten regions. Although there was a slight reduction in cases, poor sanitary conditions and lack of resources hinder effective control. Both viruses exhibit similar initial symptoms, complicating early diagnosis, and dengue can progress to hemorrhagic forms that pose a risk of death.

Recently, a young man in Las Tunas was in critical condition after developing complications from hemorrhagic dengue, highlighting the deficiencies in the eastern region's hospital system. The shortage of intensive care beds and medications continues to exacerbate the epidemiological situation.