Mosquito-Borne Viruses in Cuba Pose Threat to Florida, Doctor Warns

The spread of mosquito-borne viral diseases in Cuba has raised significant concerns both on the island and internationally.

Amid active outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche fever, health professionals in Florida and global authorities have issued warnings about the potential for these viruses to spread to other regions, particularly the southern United States.

Cuban physician Luis Felipe Felipe, now based in Florida, recently highlighted the severity of the health situation in Cuba during a segment on "Encuentro Virtual con Gloria Ordaz" for Telemundo 51. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, suggesting that temporarily halting flights to Cuba might be a necessary step to prevent the introduction of diseases like chikungunya into the U.S.

"The concurrent presence of several mosquito-borne diseases has raised alarm bells," noted Felipe, stressing that visitors are at high risk of infection, especially those unaware of the outbreak’s extent and who fail to take proper precautions.

In September, the U.S. Embassy in Havana issued a warning to its citizens regarding the active outbreaks in Cuba, stressing the need for heightened epidemiological vigilance and extreme caution for those planning to travel.

Alongside dengue and chikungunya, Cuba is also seeing cases of Oropouche fever, a less familiar mosquito-borne viral disease that causes symptoms like high fever, headache, nausea, and severe muscle pain. Its presence complicates the situation further and raises medical alerts.

Although local transmission of these viruses hasn't been confirmed in Florida, the heavy travel between Cuba and the southern United States, coupled with climate change facilitating vector spread, keeps epidemiologists and health experts on high alert.

Global Health Warnings: From Russia to Canada

The health crisis in Cuba hasn't gone unnoticed worldwide. Russia's embassy in Cuba issued a health advisory urging its citizens to wear protective clothing, avoid stagnant water areas, and apply mosquito repellent consistently. "Take care of yourself and your loved ones!" read the message shared on social media.

In Canada, the government also issued a travel alert related to the chikungunya outbreak, advising its citizens to take special precautions. Meanwhile, Mexico urged enhanced preventive measures and suggested acquiring medical insurance before visiting the island.

These warnings reflect growing international concern over the potential export of these viruses via tourism, particularly in regions with suitable environmental conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito to thrive.

Cuba's Collapsed Healthcare System: A Critical Factor

The spread of these diseases is exacerbated by the dire state of Cuba's healthcare system. Reports indicate a severe shortage of insecticides, deficiencies in fumigation campaigns, and a notable inability to control the mosquito population, largely due to a lack of logistical and human resources.

The deterioration of the public health system has also hindered timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, contributing to higher mortality rates. Official figures from Cuba's Ministry of Public Health report at least 33 deaths due to mosquito-borne diseases in 2025, with 21 from chikungunya and 12 from dengue. Most victims were minors.

Meanwhile, the Cuban Conflict Observatory (OCC) and the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba have documented at least 87 deaths linked to the epidemic, with cases reported across various provinces, suggesting an underestimation of 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 chikungunya epidemic. Although isolated cases were reported in Santiago de Cuba in 2015, the current outbreak is unprecedented in scale.

"We can't predict when the epidemic wave will end," stated Toledo, explaining that unlike dengue, chikungunya doesn't allow for long-term forecasts due to a lack of historical data. She also noted the Cuban population's high susceptibility to the virus, given their lack of previous exposure, which could lead to attack rates ranging from 30% to 70%.

Additional structural risks include an aging population with comorbidities, high internal and international mobility, vector control limitations, and severely deteriorated urban hygiene conditions.

Travelers' Guidelines: Precautionary Measures

Doctors and epidemiologists agree on the urgency of taking preventive measures. While it’s not about avoiding travel to Cuba entirely, extreme caution is advised. Key recommendations include:

• Wearing clothing that covers arms and legs, especially during dawn and dusk.
• Applying mosquito repellent multiple times a day.
• Avoiding areas with stagnant water or dense vegetation.
• Carrying analgesics, a thermometer, and first-aid supplies.
• Consulting official sources before and during travel to monitor the outbreak's progress.

Moreover, anyone exhibiting symptoms after returning from the island should seek medical attention immediately to prevent transmission chains within their communities.