Dr. Aldo Cortés, deputy director of the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology.

After a long period without achieving eradication of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, transmission continues in the municipality of Puerto Padre. Despite the efforts of health authorities, a timely offensive against the vector has not materialized. At the same time, dengue outbreaks continue to add patients to intensive care units with serious, life-threatening complications.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- Dr. Aldo Cortés, deputy director of the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology, assured 26 that more than 80 percent of the outbreaks had been found inside homes, a matter that highlights the need for citizen responsibility to end this dangerous phenomenon.

“As long as mosquitoes exist, dengue will prevail. And the population knows that more than two types of this virus are currently circulating, with a greater likelihood of developing hemorrhagic symptoms at this stage. We warn that it is indispensable to take adequate hygiene measures to preserve health,” the doctor emphasized.

“Vectors are sometimes associated with the incidence of garbage dumps, and it is indeed important to avoid them, but the reality of Las Tunas has shown us that the highest incidences are in so-called spiritual glasses, poorly covered water tanks, animal drinking troughs, and even refrigerator trays and climate control equipment.

“We are urging self-care, and everyone should know their home and where water is stored. This stage is marked by rain and mosquito reproduction; therefore, it is imperative to self-target and achieve an effective offensive against Aedes, which is the only guarantee of eliminating dengue.”

The executive also emphasized the need to address the problem with a multisectoral approach, focusing on community factors. He warned that it is essential to carry out self-monitoring in each workplace, with the required precision, and always holding individuals accountable for quickly reversing any incidents.

He also called attention to avoiding the late arrival of patients with dengue fever in health institutions, which means a significant risk to their lives. He insisted that, if symptoms such as fever, headache, abdominal pain, or others appear, it is essential to seek medical attention, especially in areas where the virus is known to be circulating.