Matanzas under epidemiological alert due to an increase in diarrheal diseases, dengue, and chikungunya.
Fuel and insecticides have been distributed to intensify fumigation. The population is urged to take extreme precautions and seek medical attention immediately if any fever develops.
The province of Matanzas is on alert due to an increase in diseases typical of the rainy season and high temperatures. Dr. Amancio Martínez Morejón, a specialist from the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology, detailed the complex epidemiological situation affecting several municipalities.
According to the expert, the rain and humidity are leading to an increase in vectors and the emergence of diseases.
«Regarding acute diarrheal diseases, Cárdenas and Martí are in epidemic status, while Matanzas, Limonar, Unión de Reyes, and Jagüey Grande are under alert. In other words, where we live, we can suffer from this symptom.» But the greatest risk is not just from acute diarrheal diseases. The Aedes aegypti mosquito has increased its presence, mainly in the municipalities of Martí and Perico, transmitting dengue and chikungunya, the latter already confirmed to be circulating in the province.
Martínez Morejón explained that around 460 fever syndromes are reported daily, a figure that is increasing. He called on the population to seek health services so that these cases can be recorded and outbreaks can be controlled. Regarding the difference between the two viral diseases, the specialist was clear.
«I sometimes say: there is no predilection for diseases, but if I wanted a disease, it would be chikungunya because chikungunya doesn’t kill. We don’t have serious cases of chikungunya, nor have we had any deaths. Right now, we don’t have any deaths from dengue, but we must take care of ourselves.» Health authorities emphasize that control measures are being resolved at the municipal level and that fuel and insecticides have already been distributed to intensify fumigation.
The population is urged to take extreme measures to eliminate potential breeding sites, clean up, and mow down the area, and to seek medical advice immediately if any fever symptoms appear.
Written by Melissa Guerra.
