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March 28, 2002
Dengue virus said eradicated in Cuba
By Anita Snow, Associated Press Writer. Thu Mar 28, 2:00 AM
ET
HAVANA - President Fidel Castro declared victory in his government's
military-style campaign against dengue fever during a ceremony honoring those
whose efforts helped wipe out the mosquito that spreads the virus.
"The dengue virus has been eradicated in our homeland," Castro
said late Wednesday after handing out diplomas to representatives of groups
recruited for the campaign. "Today is a day of satisfaction for all
residents of the capital and the entire country."
During a wide-ranging speech shown live on national television, Castro
referred to the vector that carries the dengue virus as "that killer
mosquito."
Cuba had earlier reported two deaths among the dengue cases in Havana in
recent months. Castro on Wednesday confirmed that was the final fatal toll.
The Cuban leader on Jan. 12 launched a highly organized and widespread
education and fumigation campaign aimed at wiping out the mosquito that causes
the virus, which is characterized by high fever and aches. Some strains of
dengue can result in death.
Also known as break-bone fever, dengue infects tens of millions of people
worldwide every year.
During Cuba's campaign, homes and other buildings — especially in the
hard-hit capital of Havana — were repeatedly sprayed over more than three
months, sometimes several times a week. Cuba's government controlled newspapers
printed educational articles about cleanup efforts, alongside a logo of a
mosquito in a circle with an "X" through it.
Because the virus was seen here as a matter of national security,
cooperation in the campaign was obligatory. Residents who refused to let their
homes be fumigated were sometimes fined.
A well-known dissident, Marta Beatriz Roque, complained of being detained
several times after repeatedly refusing to let workers fumigate her home for
mosquitos.
Cuba suffered a serious dengue epidemic in 1971 that made more than 400,000
people sick. During another dengue epidemic 10 years later, Cuba reported
350,000 cases.
Earlier this month, Brazil launched a similar battle in Rio de Janiero state
against the Aedes aegypi mosquitos that carry the virus. As of early March, more
than 72,000 cases resulting in 28 deaths had been reported in that region.
Peru, Venezuela and El Salvador also have recently reported outbreaks.
Related stories
Increased
sanitary controls after dengue death / Cuba-Verdad
Dengue in Cuba
Castro Wants Carter to Visit Cuba
Thu Mar 28, 1:01 AM ET
HAVANA - Speaking publicly for the first time about his invitation to former
President Carter to visit this Caribbean island, Fidel Castro said he wouldn't
mind hearing criticism from his guest.
"We only want him to see the county," Castro said in a
wide-ranging address that began late Wednesday after a nationally televised
ceremony celebrating his government's victory over dengue fever. "He can
criticize all he wants."
Castro noted that Carter had long expressed interest in the island, even
offering to negotiate between Cuba and the United States during the migration
crisis of 1994, when thousands of people took to the sea in boats and rafts
bound for American shores.
The istration of President Bush said earlier this week it was studying
Carter's request to travel to Cuba this year. If he gets the green light, the
White House wants Carter to push for human rights, the istration said.
Under provisions that restrict travel to Cuba, Americans seeking to visit
the communist country must obtain permission from the Treasury Department 's
Office of Foreign Assets Control. That includes former presidents.
Carter said Friday he expects the Bush istration's "tacit
approval, not their blessing."
While not divulging his agenda, Carter said his intentions are to improve
relations between Cuba and the United States, not to deliver an ultimatum.
Ukraine's government approves import of 30,000 tons (33,000 short tons)
of Cuba's raw cane sugar
Wed Mar 27, 2:11 PM ET
KIEV, Ukraine - Ukraine's government agreed Wednesday to allow Cuba to pay
off some of its debt in raw cane sugar.
Ukraine approved a deal which will allow the UkrKaribimpex company to import
30,000 tons (33,000 short tons) of raw cane sugar from Cuba. UkrKaribimpex will
process the sugar at domestic sugar plants and then export it again, according
to the Interfax news agency.
The sugar will cover Cuban state debts for supplies from a Ukrainian tire
plant. Currently, Cuba's debt to Ukraine is estimated at dlrs 4.2 million,
Interfax said.
The UkrKaribimpex company was founded by Ukraine's sugar producers
association and other companies to develop cooperation with the Cuban Ministry
of Sugar Production. | 
