The government has not released case numbers, although the EFE news agency estimates 1,480 new cases of dengue this week based on available data.
14ymedio (via EFE), Havana, December 16, 2025 –- The Cuban government said this Monday that the chikungunya and dengue outbreak in Cuba is moving “toward better control,” although “the curve” on the graph of new cases “is still in the epidemic zone.”
Deputy Minister of Public Health Carilda Peña made these statements on state television, where she noted—without providing absolute figures—that new cases of nonspecific febrile syndrome (high fever is the first symptom of both arboviral diseases) have been reduced by 21% compared to the previous week.
With regard to dengue, she acknowledged that the incidence rate last week rose to 15.25 infections per 100,000 inhabitants. This, over a total population of 9.7 million people—according to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI)—would amount to 1,480 new infections.
With regard to dengue, she acknowledged that the incidence rate last week rose to 15.25 infections per 100,000 inhabitants
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which compiles official Cuban figures, indicated last week that from the beginning of the year through the end of November, the total number of infections in Cuba in 2025 from this disease had reached 25,995.
Regarding chikungunya, Peña also did not provide figures on new or total cases, but stated that the number of new infections has been reduced by 20%. On Friday, official figures spoke of 44,604 infections.
The deputy minister also made no reference to the number of deaths from the epidemic, which on Friday had risen to 47, according to official figures. Two-thirds of them were minors.
The Ministry of Public Health’s (Minsap) attention is focused on “newborns, infants, pregnant women, and young people,” Peña said.
The number of patients in intensive care fell to 42, of whom 12 are in critical condition (mostly minors). “The trend continues to be downward,” the deputy minister added.
EFE has contacted the Cuban government to gain access to more data on the epidemic, but so far has received no response.
EFE has contacted the Cuban government to gain access to more data on the epidemic, but so far has received no response
Health authorities have reiterated that the number of infected people is underreported, because many patients do not go to medical centers, mainly due to the deterioration of public services on the island.
The Cuban government first acknowledged on November 12 that the country was suffering an epidemic of chikungunya and dengue, despite the fact that the first cases were diagnosed in July and that infections had surged in September and October.
The epidemic has found fertile ground in Cuba due to the severe economic and energy crisis the country is experiencing, which has led to a notable deterioration of public services.
Control measures like mass fumigation against mosquitoes and systematic garbage collection limit prevention, and patient care is affected by the lack of tests to confirm the type of illness, medications and other medical supplies.
Translated by Regina Anavy
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