Health Ministry identifies three Chikungunya cases from Cuba

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Health confirmed three imported cases of chikungunya detected in travelers from Cuba but emphasized that there is currently no community transmission in the country. The cases were identified through the national epidemiological surveillance system and confirmed by tests at the Dr. Defilló National Reference Laboratory.

Health Minister Víctor Atallah reassured the population that authorities are monitoring the situation daily and urged the public to reinforce preventive measures. Chikungunya, transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, causes fever and intense joint pain similar to dengue.

In response to rising cases in the Caribbean—particularly in Cuba—the ministry has strengthened surveillance nationwide, increased active searches for febrile cases, and intensified vector control measures such as fumigation, elimination of breeding sites, and community education. Health checks also remain heightened at airports, ports, and border points.

Preparedness protocols have been reinforced in health centers to ensure proper diagnosis, clinical management, and timely care, following PAHO/WHO recommendations. Authorities again urged the public to eliminate standing water, cover tanks, use repellents, and support community clean-up and fumigation efforts.