Santiago de Cuba mosquito control hampered by fuel shortages

Santiago de Cuba is facing high infestation rates of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, with active transmission reported in the municipalities of Santiago de Cuba, Palma Soriano, and Contramaestre. While the risk of illness has shown a slight decrease compared to previous weeks, health officials warn that infestation levels remain high.

Dr. Yaimara Gutiérrez de la Cruz, director of the Provincial Center of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology, stated that increasing adulticide treatments—fumigations designed to eliminate adult mosquitoes—is necessary. However, these essential public health actions are currently limited by the availability of fuel in the municipalities.

This shortage follows similar challenges reported in April 2026, when mosquito indices exceeded the five-year average due to difficulties in controlling breeding sites and conducting fumigations. Health authorities are urging residents to clean patios, rooftops, and streets to eliminate standing water and reduce mosquito breeding grounds.