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The spread of mosquito-borne viral diseases in Cuba has raised serious alarms both on the island and beyond.
With an active outbreak of dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever, doctors in Florida and international authorities have begun issuing warnings about the potential risk of these viruses spreading to other regions, particularly in the southern United States.
The Cuban doctor Luis Felipe Felipe, residing in Florida, recently warned during an intervention in the program “Virtual Meeting with Gloria Ordaz” - for Telemundo 51 - about the severity of the health situation in Cuba, describing it as serious enough to consider a temporary suspension of flights to Cuba.
In his opinion, this would be a valid preventive measure to avoid the introduction of diseases like chikungunya into U.S. territory.
“The simultaneous presence of several mosquito-borne diseases has raised alarm bells,” said the doctor, who emphasized that visitors face a high risk of infection, especially those who are unaware of the severity of the outbreak and do not take appropriate precautions.
Indeed, since September, the United States Embassy in Havana has issued a recent warning to its citizens about active outbreaks on the island, emphasizing the need for epidemiological vigilance and extreme caution for those planning to travel.
Alongside dengue and chikungunya, cases of Oropouche fever have also been detected in Cuba. This lesser-known viral disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and other blood-feeding insects, causing similar symptoms: high fever, headache, nausea, and severe muscle pain. Its presence further complicates the situation and raises the alert level within the medical community.
Although local transmission of these viruses in Florida has not been confirmed, the high volume of travelers between Cuba and the southern United States, coupled with climate change that facilitates the expansion of vectors, keeps epidemiologists and health professionals on edge.
International warnings: from Russia to Canada
The health crisis on the island has not gone unnoticed in other parts of the world.
The Russian Embassy in Cuba issued a health warning urging its citizens to wear closed clothing, avoid areas with standing water, and consistently apply mosquito repellent.
"Take care of yourself and your loved ones!" said the message shared on social media.
In Canada, the government also issued a travel alert related to the chikungunya outbreak, recommending special precautions for its citizens.
Mexico, for its part, asked to take extra preventive measures and suggested obtaining health insurance before visiting the island.
These warnings reflect the growing international concern about the possibility of exporting viruses through tourism, especially in regions with environmental conditions conducive to the breeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
A collapsed and resource-limited healthcare system
The spread of these diseases is exacerbated by the critical situation of the Cuban healthcare system.
According to reports, there is a severe shortage of insecticides, deficiencies in fumigation campaigns, and a noticeable inability to control the transmitting mosquito, largely due to a lack of logistical and human resources.
The deterioration of the public health system has also limited timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of cases, which, in turn, has contributed to higher mortality rates.
According to official figures from the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba, at least 33 people have died from mosquito-borne diseases in 2025, of which 21 died from chikungunya and 12 from dengue.
Most of the victims were minors.
On its part, the Cuban Observatory of Conflicts (OCC) and the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba documented at least 87 deaths related to the epidemic, with cases reported in various provinces, suggesting an underestimation of the official figures.
Chikungunya: an unprecedented epidemic in Cuba
In a recent broadcast of Mesa Redonda, Dr. María Eugenia Toledo Romaní, a researcher at the Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine (IPK), acknowledged that Cuba is facing its first major outbreak of chikungunya.
Although isolated cases were recorded in Santiago de Cuba in 2015, the current outbreak is unprecedented in magnitude.
“It is not possible to determine when the epidemic wave will end”, stated the specialist, explaining that, unlike dengue, chikungunya does not allow for long-term forecasts due to the lack of historical data.
It also warned that the Cuban population is highly susceptible to the virus due to not having been previously exposed, which could result in attack rates ranging from 30% to 70%.
These factors are compounded by other structural risks: an aging population with comorbidities, high internal and international mobility, limitations in vector control, and severely deteriorated urban hygiene conditions.
Measures for travelers: better safe than sorry
Doctors and epidemiologists agree on the urgency of taking preventive measures. It is not about completely avoiding travel to Cuba, but rather doing so with extreme caution. Among the main recommendations are:
-Wear clothing that covers arms and legs, especially at dawn and dusk.
-Apply insect repellent several times a day.
-Avoid areas with standing water or dense vegetation.
-Carry analgesics, a thermometer, and first aid supplies.
-Consult official sources before and during the trip to monitor the evolution of the outbreak.
Additionally, it is emphasized that anyone with symptoms after returning from the island should seek medical attention immediately to prevent chains of transmission in their home communities.
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