Cuba Says 33 Have Died of Mosquito-borne Illnesses As Epidemic Rages

CUBA – A growing health crisis in Cuba Monday as officials confirm 33 deaths from mosquito-borne illnesses in recent months.

Deputy Health Minister Carilda Pena says 12 people have died from Dengue and 21 from Chikungunya, with at least 21 of the victims under the age of eighteen.

The outbreak has hit at least one third of the population, and comes as Cuba’s health system struggles under severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.

Dengue fever has worsened as government lacks resources to fumigate and clean up standing water, while Chikungunya has spread rapidly in recent months.

The government reported more than 5000 new Chikungunya cases last week alone.