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Dengue and Chikungunya in Cuba

Chikungunya Blog - AES Vaccination Center
What You Need to Know Before You Go

Under the Cuban sun, mosquitoes are currently taking over!

According to Radio-Canada, “30% of Cubans have recently contracted dengue or chikungunya, two tropical diseases transmitted by mosquito bites, according to the Cuban Ministry of Health. These epidemics have escalated this autumn, and authorities indicate they are unable to contain them.”

Chikungunya: A Virus Affecting Joints

The chikungunya virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, primarily active during the day, with peaks at sunrise and sunset. The name chikungunya means “that which bends up,” describing the stooped posture of people suffering from joint pain related to this virus.

Common Symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Fatigue
  • Skin rashes
  • Headaches, nausea, and vomiting

Symptoms usually appear 3 to 7 days after the bite and can persist for months, or even years.

Dengue: A Virus with Health Impacts

Dengue is also transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause:

  • Fever
  • Severe headaches
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Skin rashes

In some cases, it can progress to hemorrhagic dengue, leading to internal bleeding and organ failure. Most infected individuals show no symptoms, which makes prevention even more crucial. If symptoms do appear, they usually manifest 3 to 7 days after the bite.

Same Mosquitoes, Two Viruses: Dengue and Chikungunya Require Vigilance and Prevention

Chikungunya and dengue are two viruses primarily transmitted by the same mosquitoes, namely Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Their activity is mainly concentrated during the day, with peaks at sunrise and sunset.

These mosquitoes are present in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Cuba, but can also be found in other areas worldwide.

How to Protect Yourself?

Simple measures to reduce risks:

  • Wear long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing
  • Use an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, following usage precautions
  • Get vaccinated with IXCHIQ, the Chikungunya vaccine approved by Health Canada

Traveling under the Cuban sun is tempting. Traveling with awareness of the risks is essential and responsible.

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Plan Your Trip Safely

We recommend that you consult a travel health professional at least six weeks before your departure for personalized advice.

Discovering Cuba is a dream. Discovering it while protecting your health is smart and responsible.

Book an appointment now at the AES Vaccination Center with one of our travel health professionals and travel well protected!

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References
  1. Radio-Canada. (November 23rd 2025). Mosquitoes — Cuba: Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika diseases.
    https://ici.radio-canada.ca/info/breve/14634/moustiques-cuba-maladies-dengue-chukungunya-zika[accessed December 10, 2025]
  2. Valneva Canada Inc. (n.d.). Home – IXCHIQ.
    https://ixchiq.ca/fr/accueil/ [accessed December 10, 2025]
  3. Public Health Agency of Canada & Health Canada. (February 3rd 2025). Chikungunya.
    https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-publique/services/maladies/chikungunya.htmlGovernment of Canada [accessed December 10, 2025]
  4. Public Health Agency of Canada & Health Canada. (April 2nd 2025). Dengue.
    https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-publique/services/maladies-infectieuses/fievres-hemorragiques-virales/dengue.html Government of Canada [accessed December 10, 2025]

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