Cuba Vaccines & Travel Advice

FOOD AND WATER-BORNE DISEASES IN CUBA

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers’ diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in Cuba, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Cuba. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Risk
Cholera is a risk in parts of Cuba.  Most travellers are at very low risk.
To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions.
Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

• Travellers’ diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
• Risk of developing travellers’ diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
• The most important treatment for travellers’ diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.

INSECTS AND ILLNESS IN CUBA

In some areas in Cuba, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus and Zika virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
There is currently a risk of chikungunya in Cuba. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In Cuba, dengue fever is a risk to travellers year-round.  It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue fever can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue fever changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. After a decline in reported dengue cases worldwide in 2017 and 2018, global numbers have been steeply rising again.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Zika virus is a risk in Cuba.
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.
Pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy should visit a health care professional before travelling to discuss the potential risks of travelling to Cuba. Pregnant women may choose to avoid or postpone travel to Cuba.
Travel recommendations:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• If you are pregnant, always use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact with anyone who has travelled to Cuba for the duration of your pregnancy.
• Women: Wait 2 months after travel to Cuba or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying for a pregnancy. If your male partner travelled with you, wait 3 months after travel or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer).
• Men: Wait 3 months after travel to Cuba or after onset of illness due to Zika virus (whichever is longer) before trying for a pregnancy.

For more information, see the travel health notice: Zika virus.

MALARIA IN CUBA

There is no risk of malaria in Cuba.

ANIMALS AND ILLNESS IN CUBA

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in the Caribbean, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

PERSON-TO-PERSON INFECTIONS IN CUBA

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

MEDICAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN CUBA

Cuba has a very good health care system, among the best in the Greater Antilles. The country provides excellent medical care in both public and private sectors. Numerous general practitioners and specialists are working on the island. Cuban medical facilities are usually very modernly equipped, making the country a destination of choice for foreign people seeking low-cost surgery care. Medical care is free for Cuban citizens, but not for tourists.
In case of emergency in Cuba, call 106.
Despite its excellent health care situation, Cuba is facing severe drug supply issues. Because of the United States embargo, American medicines are very hard to find. This is resulting in regular shortages of medicines. When traveling to the country, you should thus bring a complete medical set.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE FOR TOURISTS IN CUBA

Physicians are available at most hotels and at international clinics located in tourist areas. They provide initial emergency medical care reserved for foreigners.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS IN CUBA

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Cuba.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescription(s)

As pharmacies sometimes run out of stock, you should also bring basic medicine, particularly if travelling to outlying areas.

MEDICAL TOURISM IN CUBA

Canadian citizens have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.
Before leaving for a medical travel, make sure you have done your research and use competent health-care providers only.

FUMIGATION IN CUBA

Cuban public health authorities continue to implement insect control measures, including fumigation and aerial spraying.
The toxic fumigants can cause discomfort if inhaled. Stay indoors if fumigation is being carried out nearby.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CUBA

Cuban authorities will not allow anyone with outstanding medical bills to leave the country.
You may need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Ensure your insurance coverage also includes the repatriation of human remains.

KEEP IN MIND…

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.