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4 clusters · 33 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated

Infectious disease outbreaks in Latin America

Overview

Latin American and Caribbean nations are experiencing a surge in infectious diseases, characterized by rising dengue fever and respiratory infection rates. In Peru, dengue cases increased by approximately 79% compared to the previous year, with over 55,900 cases and 67 deaths reported. El Salvador has faced a dual burden of suspected dengue and a pneumonia outbreak, with over 7,200 pneumonia cases resulting in significant hospitalizations and mortality, particularly among children under nine.

In Cuba, dengue cases reached 7,133 in 2026, a figure roughly 7.4 times higher than historical trends. Vice Minister Carilda Peña García reported a simultaneous rise in arboviruses, including dengue and chikungunya, alongside increasing cases of acute respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and hepatitis. While respiratory infections include influenza and COVID-19, officials stated the current situation does not match the severity of the pandemic.

Health authorities in Cuba have linked the rise in diarrheal and hepatitis cases to deficiencies in environmental sanitation, water treatment, and waste collection. Arboviral transmission is being facilitated by high temperatures, rainfall, and humidity, which increase Aedes aegypti mosquito populations. Resource shortages, specifically fuel and energy constraints, have hindered control efforts; fumigation has halted in Santiago de Cuba due to a lack of diesel and gasoline. To assist, the Pan American Health Organization has provided 50 fumigation units to Holguín.

Recent warnings from Dr. Carilda Peña García have specifically highlighted the risk of chikungunya, noting that Pinar del Río, Sancti Spíritus, Villa Clara, and several municipalities in Havana are among the most affected territories. Officials are urging families to eliminate mosquito breeding sites to protect vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and young children.

Entities

Carilda Peña García · Cuba · Pan American Health Organization · Global Dengue Observatory · Ministry of Public Health of Cuba

Timeline

  1. 2 days ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Health authorities address rising disease risks in Argentina and Cuba

    Health officials in Argentina and Cuba are responding to disease threats, including rising syphilis cases in Olavarría and arbovirus risks like chikungunya in several Cuban provinces.

  2. 2 days ago

    [HEALTH] 8 sources
    Cuba reports rise in infectious diseases amid sanitation and fuel crises

    Cuba faces a rise in infectious diseases, including dengue and respiratory infections, driven by water sanitation issues, waste management challenges, and fuel shortages affecting mosquito control.

  3. 4 days ago

    [HEALTH] 8 sources
    Cuba reports rise in dengue, chikungunya, and respiratory diseases

    Cuba is facing a rise in several communicable diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, respiratory infections, and diarrheal illnesses, linked to seasonal changes and sanitation issues.

  4. 9 days ago

    [HEALTH] 20 sources
    Latin America faces surge in dengue and respiratory infections

    Latin American nations face rising health crises, with Peru seeing a 79% surge in dengue cases, Cuba reporting record-high dengue levels, and El Salvador struggling with pneumonia and dengue spikes.

Sources

14ymedio.com · ahora.com.pe · brasilemfolhas.com.br · cuba.cu · cubaheadlines.com · cubanosporelmundo.com · diariodebatepregon.com · diariodelsur.com.co · diarioellibertador.com.ar · directoriocubano.info · eldiariodehoy.com · elurbanoweb.com.ar · extra.com.co · fmpowermax.com.ar · gestion.pe · investiga.pe · itapuanoticias.tv · jornada.com.pe · lahora.pe · lainoticias.com · lankanewspapers.com · laredlarioja.com.ar · lu32.com.ar · martinews.com · mejorinformado.com · nicaraguainvestiga.com · noticiasdemalaga.es · poresto.net · radioreloj.cu · radiosantarosa.com.pe · t5satelital.com · tvsantiago.icrt.cu · tvyumuri.icrt.cu

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history