Comprehensive Analysis of Arboviruses in the Cuban Geriatric Population
Keywords:
Arbovirus, Elderly, Geriatrics, Epidemiology, Cuba, Dengue, Chikungunya, FrailtyAbstract
Introduction: Cuba's rapid demographic transition coincides with the endemicity of arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, creating a scenario of particular vulnerability for older adults.
Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on arboviruses in the Cuban geriatric population, with emphasis on epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects, atypical clinical presentations, consequences, and challenges for the National Health System.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus and Cuban repositories (Medes, Infomed) for literature published between 2019 and 2024. The MeSH and DeCS terms were used: "Arboviruses", "Aged", "Aged, 80 and over", "Geriatrics", "Dengue", "Chikungunya Fever", "Zika Virus Infection", "Epidemiology", "Frailty", "Comorbidity", "Health Services for the Aged", "Cuba".
Results: The incidence of arboviral diseases showed underreporting due to atypical presentations. Inmunosensitivity, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy constitute the triad of vulnerability. It was characterized by the predominance of geriatric syndromes such as acute functional decline (45-60%), delirium (15-25%), and severe inappetence, which masked the diagnosis. The consequences were the onset or exacerbation of frailty syndrome, disabling chronic arthropathy post-Chikungunya, and loss of autonomy.
Conclusion: The management of arboviral diseases in older Cuban adults requires a paradigm shift toward a proactive, coordinated, geriatric-centric care model. The seamless integration of epidemiological surveillance, strengthened primary health care with geriatric competencies, specialized geriatric hospitalization, and prolonged functional rehabilitation is essential to mitigate the disabling impact of these infections.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Yuniel Abreu Hernández, Daimara Barrera León, Yamil Fidel García Guevara, Yaneisy Valdes Gutiérrez , Jorge Luis Lorente Montiel
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