Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Havana (30 August 2022)
Location: Cuba
Event: A surge of dengue fever has been confirmed in Cuba. Dengue is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, specifically the Aedes species (Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus).
Actions to Take:
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellentswith one of the active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and Picaridin outside the United States), IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE),Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- Dress in light clothing that covers the arms and legs.
- Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
- Reapply insect repellent as directed.
- Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
- If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
- Treat clothing. Use 0.5% permethrin to treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
- Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
- Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
- Aedes species can live their entire life cycle indoors and are often found in closets, bathrooms and under beds. Consider use of a spray insecticide in these areas.
- Fabric on outdoor furniture can also be sprayed with 0.5% permethrin
- Use air conditioning, if available.
- Eliminate sources of standing water where mosquitos breed and lay eggs.
Sick with a Fever?
- Symptoms of dengue usually begin within 2 weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
- See a healthcare provider if you develop a fever or have symptomsof dengue.
- Take acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol outside of the United States) to reduce fever and manage body aches. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen. If you have dengue, aspirin and ibuprofen thin the blood and may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
ASSISTANCE:
U.S. Embassy Havana
Calzada between L & M, Vedado
Havana, Cuba
Phone: (53)(7) 839-4100
Emergencies: +53-7-839-4100, dial 1 to select English, and then 0 to speak to an operator
Non-emergency inquiries: ACSHavana@state.gov
Website: https://cu.usembassy.gov/ or follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more details at Dengue | Disease Directory | Travelers’ Health | CDC
Contact the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada
+1-202-501-4444 from other countries
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates.
Visit Ready.Gov for information on emergency preparedness.
