10.01.2026 17:31
A pandemic in Cuba, referred to as a 'mysterious virus' by the public and whose cause is not clearly explained, has swept through the country. The outbreak, which is said to have affected a third of the population, has brought the healthcare system to the brink of collapse. As hospitals ran out of space following a surge in cases, patients began to be treated on the floor, and cemeteries overflowed with the dead. The crisis has also triggered alarm worldwide.
Cuba is battling a widespread disease commonly referred to as the 'mysterious virus,' the cause of which has not been clearly explained.
GRAVEYARDS ARE OVERFLOWING
According to local sources, the outbreak has affected approximately one-third of Cuba's population. Authorities reported that as of December 17, there have been 52 deaths attributed to the virus, the majority of which were children. Official data indicates that there are more than 38,000 suspected cases. It is claimed that graveyards in some regions, such as Camagüey and Holguín, are overflowing.
HEALTH SYSTEM ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE, PATIENTS LEFT ON THE FLOORS
The disease, characterized by high fever, skin redness and peeling, joint swelling, vomiting, and diarrhea, has paralyzed life across the island while the health system has reached the brink of collapse. Hospitals, already struggling with challenges such as power outages, drug shortages, and insufficient resources, have started treating patients on the floor after the surge in 'mysterious virus' cases left no empty beds.
INFRASTRUCTURE PROBLEMS ACCELERATED THE SPREAD OF THE OUTBREAK
According to a report in The Sun, infrastructure problems have further accelerated the spread of the outbreak. It was stated that due to the halt of water treatment facilities, garbage containers in the streets have overflowed, creating a favorable environment for mosquitoes. Daily power outages hinder pest control efforts, while shortages of fuel and insecticides also limit interventions.
A "COMBO VIRUS" COMPOSED OF 6 VIRUSES
Experts indicate that diagnosing the cases is difficult and that the disease may be a "combo virus" resulting from the simultaneous presence of multiple viruses. It is believed that among these viruses are Dengue Fever, Oropouche, and Chikungunya viruses, as well as respiratory infections such as H1N1 influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Covid-19.
CLAIM THAT THE COMMUNIST REGIME IS "HIDING THE REAL PICTURE"
About three months after the disease began to spread across the island, the communist regime of Cuba acknowledged the situation as an "outbreak." However, a national health emergency has not been declared. Many Cubans argue that the reported figures do not reflect the reality.
Manuel Cuesta Morúa, a leading human rights activist in Havana, stated that the outbreak began in Matanzas about five months ago and that sudden deaths were first observed in this region. Morúa claimed that the government is hiding the true picture by issuing death certificates that do not reference the virus.
THE WORLD HAS GONE ON ALERT
Meanwhile, the situation in the Caribbean country has also prompted action from the world. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that urgent intervention is needed to prevent further spread of the virus. So far, no evidence has been found that the outbreak has reached Europe, while the Canadian government announced that health screenings and quarantines of up to 7 days will be implemented for those returning from Cuba. Spain, in December, called on its citizens not to travel to Cuba, citing "a serious outbreak."