Public Health strengthens epidemiological surveillance in the face of chikungunya circulation in Cuba

Santo Domingo.– The Ministry of Public Health, reported that it has intensified epidemiological surveillance and vector control actions throughout the national territory, as part of the permanent prevention and response strategy to the chikungunya outbreak reported in Cuba and other Caribbean countries. The institution explained that these measures, which are applied throughout the year, have been strengthened due to the increase in cases in the region, with the aim of keeping the Dominican Republic free of local transmission and protecting the population against the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. As part of the action plan, the Provincial Directorates and Health Areas carry out intensive fumigation, garbage removal, and community education campaigns, in addition to active search for feverish individuals and surveillance at airports, ports, and border crossings.

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The Health Minister reiterated to the public to reinforce prevention at home, eliminating containers that accumulate water, covering tanks, and keeping patios clean to avoid mosquito breeding grounds.

“These actions are part of our permanent work, but given the increase in cases in the region, we have intensified the interventions. The country has a prepared surveillance system, field teams and an active response to protect the population, there is no reason for alarm, but there is reason to redouble prevention in homes,” said Victor Atallah.

Recommended prevention measures The Ministry of Health recommends that the population eliminate or cover containers that collect water (tanks, buckets, bottles, tires, vases). Keep tanks and cisterns well covered. Wash with a brush and chlorine the containers where water is stored. Keep yards and outdoor areas clean and free of objects that can serve as breeding grounds. Use mosquito nets and repellents, especially during peak mosquito activity hours (morning and evening). In case of fever or symptoms, go to the health center and avoid self-medication. The MSP reaffirmed that it will continue to permanently monitor the regional and national epidemiological situation, will keep vector control operations active and will offer updated information through its official channels.