North and Central America and Caribbean

There have been reports of outbreaks of dengue fever and hemorrhagic conjunctivitis in cuba.  The Cuban authorities are taking steps to control the mosquito that transmits dengue fever to humans and are advising people to wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis.

Human cases of Swine Flu have been reported in Cuba.  The Cuban authorities have introduced medical screening for the Swine Flu virus (H1N1) at some airports for passengers arriving in Cuba on international flights.  A period of hospitalisation while blood tests for the H1N1 virus are undertaken may be required for people exhibiting flu-like symptoms either on arrival or at any point during their time in Cuba. The World Health Organisation has raised its Pandemic threat alert phase to Level 6. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their location through the World Health Organisation website. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. You should contact your tour operator and/or airline to find out the latest information. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can also be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

The medical facilities in Havana are better than those available elsewhere in the country, but it is sometimes necessary to medically evacuate those who require urgent specialist care.  This can be very expensive so you should ensure that your medical insurance covers you for this.  If you require medical treatment you will be expected to pay in hard currency; a basic hospital stay can cost as much as £200 per day plus medical expenses.

Many medicines are unavailable in Cuba so you should bring any prescription drugs you take regularly.  A copy of the prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your condition can be helpful at customs.

Hepatitis A is common to Cuba, particularly in the summer.  You should be aware that treatment is not readily available. Viral meningitis occasionally breaks out both in Havana and in other provinces of Cuba.

Dengue Fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. The Cuban authorities are taking measures to eradicate the mosquito which transmits the disease to humans.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 6,200 adults aged 15 or over in Cuba were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Cuba and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.