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The U.S. Embassy in Cuba issued a health alert this Tuesday aimed at American citizens who are currently in the island or planning to travel there, following a notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding an outbreak of chikungunya.
The CDC published a Level 2 Travel Health Notice, which implies a recommendation for enhanced precautionary practices in light of the spread of this mosquito-borne illness.
Note that chikungunya is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes, and its symptoms appear between 3 and 7 days after the bite, including fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, swelling, or skin rashes.
Additionally, it notes that the majority of patients recover within a week, but in some cases, joint pain can persist for months or even years.
Pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, should reconsider their trips to Cuba, as well as individuals at high risk, such as the elderly, newborns, or those suffering from diabetes or heart disease, who are more vulnerable to serious complications, the note emphasizes.
It clarifies that there is no specific treatment for this disease.
The embassy provided several contact numbers for assistance: +(53) (7) 839-4100 (after hours: press 1 and then 0); and the email acshavana@state.gov to offer help to travelers.
The epidemiological situation in Cuba has been complex for several months, with several diseases such as Hepatitis A, dengue, and chikungunya circulating simultaneously.
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