Outbreak of Mosquito-borne Illnesses in Cuba

Cuba is experiencing a spike in mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue and chikungunya, over the recent weeks. According to epidemiologists, nearly one-third of the population has been infected by the disease as of 12 November. The conditions have worsened as the severe economic crisis in the country has impacted the government’s ability to conduct preventive measures like fumigation and the medical infrastructure. Authorities began fumigation in crowded buildings and alleys in parts of Havana on 13 November, and clinical trials for a drug to treat chikungunya. The outbreak follows a call for action issued by the World Health Organization in July to prevent a chikungunya epidemic outbreak.