Cuba's Health Crisis: Mosquitoes Strike Hard

Cuba is facing a serious health issue. Mosquitoes carrying viruses have caused many deaths. Most of those who died were children. The viruses involved are chikungunya and dengue. These viruses are spread through mosquito bites. Chikungunya is known for causing severe joint pain and fever. It is not usually deadly. However, it can be dangerous for newborns, the elderly, and those with other health problems. Dengue, on the other hand, has symptoms similar to the flu. It has claimed 12 lives in this outbreak. The chikungunya virus first appeared in Cuba's western region but quickly spread everywhere. The country has been struggling with shortages of basic needs like clean water, food, and medicine. This has made the situation worse. Cuba has a strong medical history. It successfully handled a similar outbreak in 2014. This time, the situation is different. Poor hygiene and stored water have contributed to the spread of the viruses. The country is also dealing with economic problems, which have weakened its health services. Travelers to Cuba and other affected areas are advised to take precautions. This includes getting vaccinated and protecting themselves from mosquito bites. The situation highlights the importance of public health measures and economic stability in controlling disease outbreaks.