Visitors come to Cuba for many things – the culture, the rum, the cigars, and the landscape. They come for the sunshine and the beaches, perhaps too because it’s a little different. But one of the things that don’t particularly want, but are likely to bump into are Cuba’s sand flies and mosquitoes. And you will find mosquitoes in Cuba. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may find a scourge of them. (that’s the collective term for a group of mosquitoes). Are they any better or worse than mosquitoes in other tropical climates? Well, yes and no. Remember, Cuba has some rather unique situations that you should be aware of when planning to come here. Anyways. Here’s what to expect when it comes to mosquitoes in Cuba.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER
Mosquitoes love warm temperatures, humid conditions, and high rainfall. And yes you’ll find that in Cuba. Cuba is generally a safe country to visit, but here you’ll find that mosquitoes can cause something of a health hazard. I’m not writing this to put you off, it’s just a guide on what to expect. Mosquitoes breed primarily during the wet season in Cuba. And the wet or rainy season in Cuba is from April until November.
TOP PRODUCT PICK
Effective bug spray deters mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks. This pump spray is good for protecting you against bugs and contains 40% DEET.
Now I’m going to stress again, mosquitoes in Cuba shouldn’t be enough to put you off coming. They’re not a particularly huge concern, but let’s look at how you can prepare for your visit and what actions you can take, that mean they won’t become a big issue for you.
How to Avoid Mosquitoes in Cuba
I didn’t find anything different about the mosquitoes in Cuba from mosquitoes than those that have bitten me in other places around the world. And they do bite me. I am the original best person to have stood next to you in mosquito-land. Because they take so many bites out of me that they won’t have time for you. I will say that the mosquitoes in Alaska, northern Finland, and the Colombian Amazon are way, way, way worse than mosquitoes anywhere else in the world.
Why Avoid Mosquitoes in Cuba
There are several mosquito-borne diseases that are found in Cuba
- Dengue
- Chikungunya
- Zika
Health officials in Cuba state that Zika and Chikungunya are NOT currently present (October 2024), but that Dengue and Oropouche are present in many provinces..
And more recently the Oropouche virus disease. There’s more on the recent outbreak of Oropouche in Cuba from the World Health Organization here.
There is a vaccine for Dengue. There’s also a vaccine in the USA for Chikungunya called IXCHIQ. There is no vaccine for Zika or the Oropouche virus. If you’ve never heard of the Oropuche virus, then I recommend that you read these details of what the writer (based in Cuba) went through.
TOP PRODUCT PICK
Best Travel Mosquito Net for Cuba
This travel mosquito net fits over a king-sized bed and comes with a bag, and hanging hooks for easy setup. It’s easy to use and good for a great night’s sleep.
Avoiding Mosquitoes in Cuba
The best way to avoid mosquito-borne diseases is to try not to be bitten in the first place. Here are some suggestions for how to do that.
- Try and stay somewhere with a breeze – which blows them away. Sit in a breeze. Use a fan or A/C. If you’re traveling to Cuba during a time when there are expected to be power cuts, then take a battery-operated fan. And a mosquito net.
- Try and keep doors and windows closed especially at dawn or dusk. If they’re open, look for netting on the windows, or rig your mosquito net up at it.
- Use a good mosquito repellent on any exposed skin – especially at dawn and dusk. If you’re using any repellent with DEET in, be sure to wash it off before going to bed.
- Avoid dark-colored clothes – use light-colored ones. Wear long sleeves. Long loose trousers. I also try and wear socks. Yes I know it’s a tropical climate, but bites between your toes or on the sole of your foot are agony.
You’ll want to pack all of this with you and enough of it for your entire trip. Don’t expect to be able to buy mosquito repellent in Cuba. If you have any leftovers, then leave it for the locals. My guide of other things to take or leave for the locals is here)
Here’s your anti-mosquito packing list – which if you don’t plan to use again you can always leave with a grateful local when you return home.
- Battery operated fan
- Mosquito net
- An electric plug-in mosquito coil
- DEET-based mosquito repellent
- Light-coloured, long sleeved tops
- Light-coloured, long trousers
Should you get any of the fever like conditions that come with many of the mosquito borne diseases, then you’ll also want to have packed over the counter drugs that will help. Tylenol from the US is popular.
Why are Mosquitoes a Problem in Cuba?
For me, any bite is a problem. I swell up, red lumps appear and my skin itches like mad. I can rarely use over-the-counter anti-itch creams as I’m allergic to them. So I’m a big, big fan of avoiding getting bitten in the first place.
However. The reaction to the bites isn’t really the problem when it comes to mosquitoes.
At this point, I’ll say there is (currently) no Malaria in Cuba. Malaria is not normally present in Cuba unless it was contracted overseas. But Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, and Oropouche are your current problems. And they’re all spread by mosquitoes.
You should ALWAYS, follow the health guidance of your government when it comes to travel. I’m from the UK, so I use the FCDO advice for Cuba. Most people reading this likely aren’t, so here are the links to various government travel & health sites.
Mosquito-driven diseases in Cuba
The primary issues caused by mosquitoes in Cuba are detailed below. I’ve included links to find out more information. You should ALWAYS seek medical advice on what (if any) drugs to take, especially if you are not yet diagnosed with a particular disease.
There is evidence that aspirin or NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen, naproxen) should NOT be taken until Dengue is ruled out because it could result in hemorrhaging. Please seek medical advice before taking any drugs.
Dengue Fever in Cuba
Dengue Fever is passed on by bites of a mosquito, usually in the rainy season, or just afterward. It is caused by a virus. Mosquitoes that carry and pass on Dengue are usually active throughout the day and are often inside buildings. A Dengue Fever infection usually lasts about a week and symptoms include headaches, nausea, a rash, vomiting, and high fever. Read more information about Dengue Fever here.
(Currently) NO Zika Virus in Cuba
Similar to Dengue Fever, Zika is a mosquito-borne virus. There’s no vaccine or medicine for Zika, which is usually associated with microcephaly – a birth defect (it can affect the child you are carrying if you’re pregnant while you get bitten). Most people, however, have a mild reaction to Zika and symptoms include headaches, high temperatures, and muscle aches. Read more about Zika Virus here.
(Currently ) NO Chikungunya in Cuba
I’d never heard of Chikungunya until I met an Aussie in Uzbekistan who suffered. It’s definitely very real and symptoms include headaches, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rashes. The US FDA approved the first Chikungunya vaccine in November 2023. You can read more about Chikungunya here
Oropouche Virus in Cuba
First reported in May of 2024, there have been increasing bases of Oropouche virus in Cuba. There are no vaccines for Oropouche, which is a virus spread by biting midges and mosquitoes. It’s been reported in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Symptoms include severe headaches, chills, joint pains, muscle aches, and a fever. More on Oropouche here.
If you want to know what Oropouche is like, then here’s a first hand account.
The Cuban government is now providing updates and information on Oropouche here.
There are reports from Reuters of 21 cases of Oropuche virus in visitors returninig from Cuba to the USA.
How Does Cuba Treat Areas with Mosquitoes?
This depends. Some tourist areas are treated and, in conjunction with the United National Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) use a sterile insert technique. A trial of this in 2022 saw a 90% reduction in Havana’s mosquitoes. That said it’s Havana and Varadero where you’ll see the least mosquitoes on the island. If you’re heading into the National Parks, or to areas of lush vegetation, then there will be more mosquitoes. Resort hotels tend to fumigate properties during the wet season too.
Sand Flies in Cuba
Sand Flies, aka no-see-ums, are common in Cuba. The bite can be painful and it usually means that you’ll itch for a while too. Sand flies are prevalent in Cuba from May to November usually and in sandy areas.
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR EXPLORING CUBA INDEPENDENTLY
These are the resources and booking sites that we use when traveling to Cuba.
!NEW! – Our 130 page ebook – Cuba by Bus – provides 5 detailed itineraries, includes specific buses to book, and full step by step guides to visiting Cuba. Buy it here.
Get a Cuba Travel and Medical Insurance Quote from Visitors Coverage here –
Alternatively, Civitatis Insurance is a great option for the required insurance for Cuba.
Read about the Cuba eVisa, and buy your Cuban eVisa here.
Flying via the USA and relying on entry with an ESTA? Read this.
Book your Viazul Bus tickets here
Use Daytrip to book transport between cities AND to sightsee along the way
Pre-book and prepay shared & private shuttles here
Book the best FREE Walking Tours in Cuba
Reserve attractions, day trips, and activities in Cuba here
Get online in Cuba EASILY with a Cuba eSIM Card here, or read my guide to Cuba physical SIMs here.
Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Cuba > discount coupon here
Book Accommodation in Cuba’s Casa Particular here
Final Words on Mosquitoes in Cuba
Cuba has a tropical climate and you will find mosquitoes here. How many you find most likely depends on the time of year that you visit. It’s best to plan to meet them, to bring any and all counter-measures with you (repellent, appropriate clothing, nets), and try and avoid getting bitten.
Cuba’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
