Cuba's Health Crisis: Mosquitoes Strike Hard

Cuba is currently grappling with a serious health crisis as mosquito-borne viruses spread rapidly, causing numerous deaths, primarily among children.

Viruses Involved: Chikungunya and Dengue

• Chikungunya
• Causes severe joint pain and fever.

• Rarely deadly but dangerous for newborns, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

• Dengue
• Symptoms resemble the flu.
• Responsible for 12 deaths in the current outbreak.

Spread and Impact

• The chikungunya virus first emerged in Cuba's western region but quickly spread nationwide.
• The country faces shortages of clean water, food, and medicine, exacerbating the crisis.
• Poor hygiene and stored water have contributed to the rapid spread of the viruses.
• Economic challenges have weakened Cuba's health services, making it difficult to manage the outbreak effectively.

Prevention and Advice

• Travelers to Cuba and affected areas are advised to:
• Get vaccinated.
• Protect themselves from mosquito bites.
• The situation underscores the critical role of public health measures and economic stability in controlling disease outbreaks.