Cuban science works on a comprehensive and effective response to Oropouche

By María Josefina Arce

In its constant efforts to protect the health of the population, Cuban science has faced new challenges in the face of the increasing number of cases of the Oropouche virus reported in Latin America in recent months and its presence in the Caribbean country.

This situation led PAHO, the Pan American Health Organization, to issue an epidemiological alert last August, urging member states to intensify their surveillance of the virus, which is mainly transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes and the Culex mosquito.

In Cuba, the first cases were detected last May in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos, but the virus has spread throughout the country, although no deaths have been reported.

Faced with this situation, the Cuban scientific community has redoubled its efforts to obtain a rapid test for the disease, a task in which the leading Centre for Immunoassays is engaged.

Meanwhile, the prestigious Finlay Vaccine Institute is studying the feasibility of an immunogen to protect against arbovirosis.

In addition, as announced at the recent meeting of health experts and scientists chaired by Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel, research conducted at the prestigious Pedro Kouri Institute of Tropical Medicine has led to a better understanding of the virus and more effective treatment.

The work carried out has made it possible to detect the virus in clinical samples of urine and cerebrospinal fluid and to provide rapid treatment to patients.

The progress made in the research has been shared with the international scientific community and PAHO in order to increase knowledge about Oropouche.

While studies continue on various aspects, such as the link between the environment, the disease and the vector, Cuba remains vigilant and its scientific community, which on countless occasions has demonstrated its high level of preparedness and commitment to the health of Cubans, is working tirelessly to provide a comprehensive and effective response to the disease.