Intensive control measures and community participation characterize Las Tunas' response to the progressive increase in arbovirus transmission. Health and government authorities have implemented a reinforced plan to combat mosquito-borne diseases, like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- The strategy to address the current epidemiological situation combines direct actions on the ground with strong intersectoral coordination. In neighborhoods, the active search for suspected cases has been intensified to ensure immediate diagnosis and treatment. Vector control teams are carrying out targeted treatments with larvicides (abate) and biological methods in city blocks identified as high-risk, achieving 100% containment of suspected cases within the first 24 hours.
This was reported at a work meeting by the Director General of Health, Dr. Ariel Guevara Bringa, who explained that "One of the key tasks has been the complete inspection of elevated tanks and hard-to-reach water containers, critical breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito."
"At the same time, areas requiring environmental sanitation are being assessed, a decision that is discussed and prioritized in the Temporary Working Groups of each municipality, also incorporating the monitoring of people with fever."
Yelenys Tornet Menéndez, the provincial governor, emphasized the need for targeted work in recurring areas, involving the population, delegates, and the People's Power assemblies. "If the causes and conditions are not eliminated, infections will persist. We must also work with greater organization, anticipating prevention, surveillance, and vector control."
Furthermore, William Proenza Mendoza, a member of the Provincial Bureau of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC), told those present that fumigation efforts alone are not enough; citizen participation is crucial. Therefore, health promotion and education efforts have been increased, delivering preventative messages directly to neighborhoods.
Aldo Cortez González, deputy director of the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology, explained that intersectoral and community-based work is essential for vector control and surveillance. If the population and relevant organizations are not actively involved, the offensive will not achieve continuous and sustainable effectiveness.
He also specified that adulticide treatment eradicates the population of infected adult mosquitoes and destroys breeding sites; while it is urgent to eliminate garbage dumps, starting with a community assessment and identification of potential breeding sites, prioritizing areas such as multi-family buildings, spaces with higher population density, and risk.
The goal is to break the transmission chain of arboviruses, reducing the mosquito population and the incidence of diseases. The province maintains a territorial and proactive approach, prioritizing high-risk areas and combining technical work with community mobilization to protect public health.
