During this summer, marked by the incidence of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), even though statistics show a decrease in the number of cases compared to the previous period, the Hygiene and Epidemiology authorities in the territory urge people to maintain effective self-care measures.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- Dr. Aldo Cortés, deputy director of the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology, told 26 that despite the possible tranquility that the Las Tunas population may experience, carelessness that jeopardizes stability and collective tranquility cannot be allowed.
“Several viruses are circulating in the world today, causing emerging or re-emerging diseases, such as cholera, measles, and others that have been controlled with vaccines, but are making a comeback. This should be a concern because there is much movement within and outside the country that poses a real risk. Another alarming factor is that the population lacks risk perception and doesn't try to protect itself.”
“I reiterate the importance of self-care, wearing masks in crowded spaces, washing hands, and changing clothes when we get home because we don't know what we've been exposed to, even with the support of the vaccines we've been administering, first the flu vaccine and now, the COVID-19 booster dose, especially aimed at the most vulnerable groups. I also insist that sick people should not go to work or public spaces.”
The epidemiologist also emphasized the importance of protecting newborns, infants, and the elderly, and seeking medical attention if any respiratory symptoms occur, including fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Many viruses have similar symptoms, but their incidence can vary depending on the age group.
"The country's surveillance system is active to study severe ARIs mainly. Samples are taken from all patients admitted to intensive care units and are referred to the Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute (IPK) to understand the epidemiological framework of each region," Dr. Cortés emphasized.
"H1N1 influenza and respiratory syncytial virus are circulating, and rhinoviruses and non-pandemic coronaviruses are present. To date, the new Omicron coronavirus strain has not been reported in Las Tunas. Although highly transmissible, it is not highly fatal."
Currently, Public Health is carrying out an organized, targeted anti-COVID booster vaccination program for at-risk groups to prevent complications from the disease. People living in social institutions such as nursing and maternity homes, and psycho-pedagogical centers, among others, are being immunized.
