Public Health Minister warns about the increase of dengue transmission

Havana, August 3 (RHC)-- The Minister of Public Health, Dr. José Ángel Portal Miranda, informed that the incidence rate of suspected dengue patients in the country has increased for nine consecutive weeks.

 Speaking on Tuesday before the Temporary Working Group for the Prevention and control of the Epidemiological Situation, he said that three new provinces were declared with transmission of the disease for a total of 11.

"This week opened the provinces of Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila and Granma, were added, therefore, Pinar del Rio, Havana, Matanzas, Villa Clara, Santa Espíritus, Ciego de Avila, Camagüey, Las Tunas, Holguin, Granma, Guantanamo, abd the Island of Youth in this moment have municipalities with transmission".

Faced with this epidemiological situation, in which the four dengue serotypes are circulating in the country, the Minister called on the authorities, and the population to combat, both in communities and workplaces, the proliferation of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

This vector transmits the disease,  actions that are prioritized in the 31 municipalities with the highest risk of infestation.

"Priority must be given to areas with the transmission. There are serious problems with environmental management, which today also contribute to the identification of the focus in all the territories".

The Minister insisted that public health managers have to offer a special follow-up to the organization of services in primary care as well as, together with the municipal government, ensure transportation to transfer patients who require hospitalization, and better management of admissions.

In this regard, Portal Miranda stressed that it is necessary to have a sufficient number of beds,  to avoid overcrowding in polyclinics and hospitals, and to set up reserve centers, in case it is needed to increase bed capacity.

The Minister called for increased surveillance, timely admission, trained personnel, adequate treatment, and closing ranks in the most significant risk areas, which will allow progress to be made on this issue.