The spread of bedbug infestations in Artemisa and other provinces has ceased to be an isolated incident and has turned into a persistent phenomenon in homes, state and private institutions, warehouses, means of transportation, and public spaces; however, health authorities do not consider the situation a priority.
Numerous centers have had to close, suspend activities, repeatedly fumigate, and even remove furniture infested by insects. Many residential buildings have experienced resurgences, even after treatments were applied, admitted the local newspaper El Artemiseño.
"This is unstoppable," declared a resident affected for the second time, while incinerating mattresses, a bookshelf, and an armchair in a dump near the provincial capital's cemetery. He claimed to have his house in order and clean, but blamed a nearby dump, infested and out of control, as the source of the problem.
From the Provincial Health Directorate, the Director of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Raimundo Verde Miranda, downplayed the scale of the problem by stating that the bedbug outbreak “is not of epidemiological interest,” as they are not vectors like the mosquito Aedes aegypti, which transmits dengue, a disease that can be fatal.
However, he admitted that these insects feed on human or animal blood, hide in the dark, and easily move through clothing, personal items, or public transport, colonizing new areas, with hygiene, cleanliness, and organization not guaranteeing complete protection.
The official acknowledged that “garbage dumps are reliable sources for their lodging and a starting point for venturing out to colonize other areas.”
Additionally, he suggested applying topical treatments to the skin in cases of bites, and if they become infected, to seek medical consultation "for further guidance."
The Deputy Director of Education in the municipality, Marlén Blanco Sánchez, confirmed the presence of bedbugs in the Ramón Mordoche primary school and in the teachers' annex. Both institutions are located near a landfill with ongoing waste, including infested furniture.
Blanco warned that many people, instead of combating the source, are picking up furniture from the trash, worsening the spread. The solution, he said, is not to throw away objects, but to incinerate them and dispose of the waste in appropriate locations.
Insufficient institutional response
Despite the serious nature of the situation, the institutional response has been inadequate. In Artemisa, only two authorized entities are operating for fumigation.
One of them is the brigade from the Business Group of Logistics of the Ministry of Agriculture (Gelma), consisting of eight members, "authorized by the Ministry of Public Health to use chemical products to combat insect pests in both state and residential areas," as Verde specified. The other is the small and medium-sized enterprise "Cero Plagas." Both brigades use effective and safe products, the text assured.
Ignacio Martínez Falgueiras, head of the Gelma brigade, stated that they always prioritize educational institutions, warehouses of basic goods, and the homes of vulnerable individuals. The business group announced plans to form new brigades, including one in Candelaria.
Meanwhile, the population is grappling with a growing problem that, according to authorities, largely depends on "keeping premises or rooms tidy, clean, cool, and well-ventilated, and washing clothes with water at temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius if possible," along with a collective will that, for now, does not seem to be enough.
Health institutions such as the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital and the Gustavo Machín Psychiatric Hospital, both in Santiago de Cuba, as well as the Doctor Ángel Arturo Aballí Maternal and Child Hospital in Havana, have been reported by citizens as places overrun by cockroaches and bedbugs, which jeopardizes the health of patients.
According to official explanations, this situation is attributed to a lack of raw materials at Labiofam to produce pest extermination products.
In 2024, it emerged that a bedbug infestation had alarmed several residents of a neighborhood in the province of Santiago de Cuba and that the insects were also rampant in the nursing home in the municipality of Manzanillo, in the eastern province of Granma.
On that occasion, the director and the doctor of the nursing home for the elderly downplayed the situation, claiming that the bites did not pose a significant risk to the health of the patients.
Nonetheless, bedbugs, known as "the silent killer," can transmit the parasite T. cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. This parasite can remain in the human body for up to 97 days and lead to cardiac, neurological, and digestive problems, which could result in sudden death.
Moreover, the concerns and citizen outrage over the growing problem of garbage collection in several cities, especially in Havana, are increasing, where micro-dumps are proliferating near schools, hospitals, and homes, without effective responses from the government, while people coexist amid flies and other insects, unpleasant odors, and the fear of diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bedbug Infestation in Artemisa
Why has the bedbug epidemic spread in Artemisa?
The bedbug infestation in Artemisa has spread due to a lack of proper control and the proliferation of infested garbage dumps. Bedbugs have invaded homes, public and private institutions, and other spaces, facilitated by their movement through clothing and personal belongings. The response from the authorities has been limited and is not considered a health priority, which has worsened the situation.
What measures are the authorities taking to combat the bedbug infestation?
The authorities have chosen limited measures, such as fumigation by two authorized brigades. However, the institutional response has been insufficient to control the spread of the infestation. The director of Hygiene and Epidemiology has downplayed the significance of the problem, which has sparked criticism from the affected population.
What is the impact of the bedbug infestation on public health?
Although bedbugs are not vectors of diseases like dengue, their massive presence in public and private places poses a public health problem. Bites can cause skin reactions and, in cases of secondary infections, require medical attention. Additionally, the situation exacerbates existing sanitation issues in Cuba.
How can the population of Artemisa contribute to controlling the bedbug infestation?
The community can contribute by keeping spaces clean, organized, and ventilated, and by washing clothing at high temperatures. Additionally, it is recommended to incinerate infested furniture instead of discarding it in common dumpsters, as this could worsen the spread. Community collaboration is essential to address the issue.
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