Guantanamo.- The epidemiological situation in the Guantánamo Province is described as moderately complex, where viruses typical of the seasonal period circulate, causing diarrheal diseases and acute respiratory infections, in addition to dengue, an endemic pathology throughout the country.
In statements to Venceremos, Dr. Aime Blanco Chivas, a specialist in Hygiene and Epidemiology and in charge of communicable diseases at the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology (CPHEM), assured that the Health System maintains the necessary surveillance on these conditions and has the resources to face them.
However, he called on the population to observe preventive measures against acute diarrheal diseases (ADD), including properly preserving food and washing hands before and after eating it, and pointed to the municipalities of Yateras (Palenque), Imías (Jesús Lores) and San Antonio del Sur, where there is corresponding surveillance to avoid possible complications in patients.
Regarding acute respiratory infections (ARIs), he advised keeping vaccination schedules up to date, for which the Abdala vaccine is available at all polyclinics.
He urged people to avoid crowds and maintain all hygiene measures; washing hands upon arriving home, especially if handling animals or any food.
He reiterated that the increase in ARIs is typical of the season (summer and winter), and advised vaccination for children over two years old; pregnant women, people over 65 years old, and individuals with decompensated chronic diseases.
The specialist warned that the presence of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito is high in the province, regardless of which there is control over dengue, but insisted on the conscious practice of family self-focus monitoring, the reorganization of the environment, the cleaning of yards and replacement of drains that require it.
He identified the municipalities of Niceto Pérez and Imías as having the highest mosquito infestation rates and warned that all four dengue serotypes are circulating in the country (3 and 4 in Guantánamo), which can cause severe cases if they recur in people who have already had the disease, also known as breakbone fever.
He assured that the necessary logistical conditions, including material and human resources, are in place to address this situation.
Finally, Dr. Blanco Chivas asserted that the province is free of chikungunya and post-convalescent patients are being treated in rehabilitation wards to improve their quality of life.
