Cuba reports rise in dengue, chikungunya, and respiratory diseases

Cuba’s Ministry of Public Health has acknowledged a simultaneous rise in several communicable diseases across the island. Vice Minister Carilda Peña García reported an increase in arboviruses, including dengue and chikungunya, alongside rising cases of acute respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and hepatitis.

Health officials attributed the surge to seasonal factors such as high temperatures, rainfall, and increased mosquito populations. However, they also cited deficiencies in environmental sanitation, water treatment, and waste collection as contributing factors. In the province of Santiago de Cuba, an active dengue outbreak has been reported in the municipalities of Palma Soriano, Contramaestre, and the capital city, with unexplained fever syndromes increasing since late June.

Data from the Global Dengue Observatory indicates that Cuba has recorded 7,133 dengue cases so far in 2026, a figure significantly higher than usual for this period. While officials noted that respiratory infections include COVID-19 (predominantly Omicron subvariants) and influenza, they stated the current situation does not match the severity of the pandemic. Despite the official recognition of these outbreaks, authorities have not released updated, detailed statistics regarding specific infection counts or territorial distribution.