Cuba Tightens Health Measures Amid Regional Mosquito Concerns

The Cuba Tourist Board says the country has strengthened its public health protocols in response to rising Aedes aegypti-transmitted diseases across the Americas and the Caribbean.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Aedes aegypti (aka Yellow fever mosquito) is a known vector of several viruses including yellow fever, dengue virus, chikungunya virus, and Zika virus.

In a statement, Cuba said health authorities are working with the tourism sector to ensure visitors safety.

New measures in tourist areas include land and aerial fumigation to control mosquito populations, along with regular larvicidal treatment. 

Enhanced sanitation is underway in outdoor areas to eliminate potential breeding grounds, and officials say proper waste collection and storage are being enforced to prevent new sites from forming.

Resort facilities have also intensified cleaning and disinfection efforts. According to the board, “a guaranteed supply of insecticide products is available for vector elimination.”

Hotels continue to offer on-site medical services through doctor’s offices, with international clinics available for additional support. 

“Cuba remains a safe destination committed to the health of its visitors,” the statement said, adding that there are currently no reported cases of Canadian travellers contracting mosquito-borne disease in the country.

Travellers are encouraged to take standard precautions for tropical destinations. The board recommends visitors bring insect repellent “to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.”

The statement also highlighted the Cuban health system’s record in epidemic response, noting that it is “internationally recognized for its expertise in managing epidemics and pandemics, such as COVID-19.” It added that the country developed its own vaccine candidates during the pandemic and achieved high immunization rates among its population.

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