Cuba's Chikungunya Crisis Poses Risks for Visitors

Since December 2013, the Chikungunya virus has proliferated across most of the Americas, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

By late 2025, a staggering 29 countries in the Caribbean region have documented cases of this disease.

Although Cuba has largely been free of Chikungunya in recent years, an alarming spike in infections has been observed this year. As of today, the PAHO has confirmed a troubling 38,342 cases and 21 related fatalities.

As of December 14, 2025, this outbreak marks one of the most significant arboviral epidemics in Cuba's recent history, as impactful as previous Dengue outbreaks.

What began in western provinces like Matanzas earlier in the year, the mosquito-borne virus has rapidly spread nationwide. In Santiago de Cuba, children represent about 65% of the seriously ill patients hospitalized for arboviruses.

And in the capital city of Havana, an international tourist favorite destination, Chikungunya infections have become common.

Many of these visitors arrive from southern Florida, especially Miami.

The Florida Department of Health Week #49 Report reveals 149 confirmed cases of Chikungunya among individuals who have traveled to Cuba, with Miami-Dade County alone accounting for 95 cases in 2025.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this rising trend calls for urgent attention to mitigate further spread of this virus and protect people, specifically pregnant women and infants.

With two approved vaccines readily available in 2025, the CDC's Level 2 Travel Health Notice recommends preventive vaccines for travelers who are visiting an area with a Chikungunya outbreak, such as Cuba.

When departing from Florida for Cuba, various travel clinics offer Chikungunya advisory and vaccination services.

Additionally, from a security standpoint, the U.S. Embassy reports that Havana and the western provinces of Cuba have been experiencing power outages since December 1, 2025, due to issues with the electrical grid.

The Embassy states that its emergency services will remain operational, but all U.S. citizens currently in Cuba or planning to travel there should be aware of the situation and make appropriate plans.