Cuba enhances health measures amid wave of mosquito-borne illnesses

The Cuba Tourist Board says the country has enhanced its public-health measures in light of increasing Aedes aegypti–borne illnesses throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) notes that Aedes aegypti—also known as the yellow fever mosquito—can transmit several viruses, including yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.

In a press release Monday (Nov. 24), Cuba’s tourist board notes that it has strengthened its health and safety actions in tourist facilities.

It says land and aerial fumigation are regularly conducted in resort areas to control mosquito populations, including larvicidal treatment on a regular basis.

“All necessary personnel and resources are allocated for these efforts,” reads the update.

Facilities are conducting ongoing sanitation work in outdoor areas to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds and the collection and storage of waste are “guaranteed to prevent the creation of breeding sites,” the tourist board says.

In addition, enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures are in place, and a reliable supply of insecticides is being maintained to support vector control efforts.

The tourist board adds that hotels can offer medical attention through on-site doctor’s offices. International clinics are also available to assist guests with any health-related needs, the office says.

“Cuba remains a safe destination committed to the health of its visitors. Currently, there are no reported cases of Canadian visitors contracting the disease in Cuba,” the tourist board said.

Still, the Cuba Tourist Board is recommending travellers carry personal preventative measures.

“Visitors should consider bringing products such as insect repellent to reduce the risk of mosquito bites,” the tourist board said.

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