If you’ve been following the news from Latin America, you’ve probably seen reports of rising cases of dengue and chikungunya. Many countries across the region are experiencing a significant surge, and Cuba is among them. These mosquito-borne viruses can sound alarming – but should they really affect your travel plans to Cuba? The short answer: no. With just a few simple precautions, you can explore Cuba safely and confidently.

WHAT ARE DENGUE AND CHIKUNGUNYA?

Both viruses are arboviruses, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Here’s what you should understand about them:

• Dengue: Symptoms include fever, intense headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and usually a rash. Whilst severe cases can occur, they’re uncommon.
• Chikungunya: Characterised by intense joint pain and high fever; whilst uncomfortable, fatalities are exceptionally rare.

Crucially, neither virus spreads from person to person. The only transmission route is through a mosquito bite.

WHY ARE THEY SPREADING IN CUBA?

Several factors may have contributed to the recent increase in cases:

• Climate: Warm temperatures and high humidity create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.
• Rain: Heavy rainfall produces stagnant water – perfect breeding grounds for larvae.
• Urban conditions: Water storage practices and waste management issues provide additional breeding sites.
• Economic challenges: Limited resources affect the availability of fumigation and sanitation programmes.
• Low immunity: Chikungunya is relatively new to Cuba, meaning fewer people have developed natural resistance.

HOW TO AVOID INFECTION

Here’s the encouraging news: prevention is both simple and highly effective.

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin regularly.
• Wear long sleeves and trousers, particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Choose accommodation with screens, fans or air conditioning.
• Eliminate any standing water around where you’re staying.
• Consider using mosquito nets if you’re sleeping outdoors.

Following these straightforward steps dramatically reduces your risk of infection.

A PERSONAL STORY: KARLA HERNANDEZ

My stepdaughter, Karla Hernandez, works as an epidemiologist in Havana. She’s directly involved in Cuba’s efforts to combat arboviruses. Despite living in one of the highest-risk areas, neither she nor her young daughter has contracted either illness. Her secret? Consistency with basic preventative measures: repellent applied every morning, long sleeves for the early morning school run, and keeping their home completely free of standing water.

As Karla puts it: “It’s about consistency, not complexity. These measures genuinely work.”

Her experience demonstrates that prevention is both practical and genuinely effective.

SHOULD YOU CANCEL YOUR TRIP?

Absolutely not. Here’s the reality:

• The majority of cases are mild, with severe illness remaining rare.
• Cuba’s tourism sector has enhanced health protocols: regular fumigation in resorts, on-site medical facilities, and improved sanitation measures.
• When you take proper precautions, your risk becomes very low indeed.

So pack your tropical strength insect repellent, and get ready to enjoy Cuba’s vibrant culture, incredible music, and stunning landscapes without unnecessary worry.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Don’t let sensational headlines derail your plans. Dengue and Chikungunya are real concerns, but they’re entirely manageable. With awareness and simple preventative steps, you can travel safely – and experience everything magical that Cuba has to offer.