02.12.2025 13:40
In Cuba, 33 people have lost their lives due to mosquito-borne epidemics. It was reported that 12 of these individuals died from the Dengue virus, while 21 others succumbed to Chikungunya, with most of them being under the age of 18.
Cuba's Deputy Minister of Health Carilda Pena stated that mosquito-borne diseases have increased in the country, announcing that 12 people have died due to the Dengue virus and 21 due to Chikungunya. Pena expressed that at least 21 of the deceased were under the age of 18.
WHAT IS DENGUE VIRUS?
Dengue virus (DENV) is a virus that is transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical climate zones.
HOW DOES THE DISEASE PRESENT SYMPTOMS?
Dengue infection typically begins with a sudden high fever. In addition, the following symptoms are frequently observed: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, skin rash, and fatigue. In some cases, the disease can progress to a severe condition known as "dengue hemorrhagic fever." In this case, internal bleeding, low blood pressure, and shock may develop.
A RAPIDLY SPREADING HEALTH THREAT
The World Health Organization emphasizes that the dengue virus is one of the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne infections worldwide. More than 100 million people are infected with dengue each year.
WHAT IS CHIKUNGUNYA?
Chikungunya is a viral infection disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Its most distinctive feature is a sudden onset of high fever and severe joint pain. These joint pains can sometimes last for weeks or even months and can become chronic in some individuals. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, fatigue, skin rash, and occasional nausea. It spreads in the same regions as the Dengue and Zika viruses and is transmitted in a similar manner, but chikungunya is distinguished by the severity of joint pain.
There is no specific treatment for the disease. Treatment is based on controlling pain and fever, ensuring adequate fluid intake, and rest. The most important prevention method is to prevent mosquito bites; methods such as using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites are recommended. Generally, chikungunya is an infection from which most people recover within a few weeks, but joint complaints can persist for a long time.