Guantanamo.- Guantánamo Province is facing a complex epidemiological situation due to dengue. Active transmission has been confirmed in three municipalities, while surveillance is underway in three others. Meanwhile, mosquito infestation levels exceed permissible limits throughout the province.
Dr. Alina López Herrera, the provincial epidemiologist for the arbovirus control program, reported that dengue virus serotypes 2, 3, and 4 are currently circulating. More than 30 cases have been confirmed by PCR across several municipalities.
Imías was the first municipality to be officially declared an area of active transmission. In recent weeks, Baracoa and Guantánamo were added to the list. El Salvador, Manuel Tames, and San Antonio del Sur remain under surveillance following an increase in febrile and suspected cases.
López Herrera warned that mosquito infestation has spread to every municipality, including Maisí and Yateras, where no transmission had previously been detected. The municipality of Guantánamo continues to report infestation rates above both the provincial and national averages.
The situation is expected to worsen during the second half of the year, when rainfall encourages mosquito eggs to hatch. These eggs can remain viable for up to a year while awaiting suitable conditions and water.
The epidemiologist also warned of an increase in severe cases and cases displaying warning signs, particularly among children, over the past six weeks.
In addition to the classic symptoms of fever and joint pain, severe cases have presented respiratory symptoms. According to López Herrera, this development may indicate changes in the virus and requires closer epidemiological monitoring.
She explained that hospitalization remains the established protocol for children under two years of age, pregnant women, and patients with comorbidities—two or more medical conditions occurring at the same time. Other patients are monitored at home by their family doctors.
The specialist urged residents to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites in and around their homes, where approximately 80 percent of breeding grounds are located. She also advised anyone who develops a fever to seek prompt medical evaluation, since dengue may present with atypical symptoms, including gastrointestinal or respiratory disorders.
