Arboviral illnesses still spreading in Cuba
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Francisco Durán, national director of Hygiene and Epidemiology, informed in a press conference that there is still a spate of viral infections in the country caused mainly by dengue fever, with increased incidence in the western and central provinces.
He also referred to the presence in 15 provinces of suspected cases of Oropouche fever—a viral infection transmitted by biting midges and mosquitoes—and urged people to step up hygiene and environmental sanitation measures.
Likewise, Dr. Durán stressed the need to see a doctor at once if symptoms occur, including fever, headache, joint pains, vomiting and diarrhea, with a view to a proper diagnosis, since the signs of both types of fever are very similar.
He remarked that Cuba has a strong epidemiological surveillance system in place and is conducting thorough entomological studies led by the Pedro Kouri Institute of Tropical Medicine to learn more about both viruses and their clinical management.
On the other hand, he pointed out, Cuban science and innovation specialists headed by the National Immunoassay Center are working to design a rapid diagnostic test, whereas the Finlay Institute is studying the possibilities of a preventive vaccine against the Oropouche virus. (Source: ACN)
