December 5, 2025

Chikungunya, Dengue, and Oropouche Virus Activity in Cuba

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is monitoring concurrent outbreaks of chikungunya, dengue, and Oropouche virus disease currently occurring in Cuba. As Cuba remains a popular winter travel destination for Canadians, this information is being shared to support awareness and informed decision-making among healthcare providers and travellers.

Current Situation in Cuba

Chikungunya

The Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) has reported:

  • Over 10,000 cases in November alone
  • More than 30,000 confirmed and suspected cases in 2025

This represents significant and sustained transmission.

Dengue

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), from January to September:

  • 9,602 cases were reported
  • 115 serious cases
  • 3 deaths

This is nearly ten times higher than the same period in the previous year.

Oropouche Virus Disease

MINSAP has reported a downward trend, with:

  • 2 confirmed cases in September
  • 36 confirmed cases in 2025

Although declining, the virus continues to circulate.

Travel Health Notices (THNs)

PHAC has issued the following Travel Health Notices (THNs) for Cuba:

  • Chikungunya – Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions)
  • Dengue – Level 1 (Practice Usual Precautions)
  • Oropouche Virus Disease – Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions)

These notices outline risks for Canadian travellers and provide recommendations to reduce exposure—primarily focused on mosquito-bite prevention and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms develop.

PHAC will continue to monitor the situation closely and update travel health guidance as needed.

Why This Matters for Canadians

This alert is intended for information and awareness, especially as many Canadians travel to Cuba during the winter season. Healthcare providers are encouraged to consider these outbreaks when assessing ill travellers returning from Cuba.

More Information & Sources

  • Cuba News: More than a hundred Cubans admitted to intensive care for dengue and chikungunya https://oncubanews.com/cuba/ciencia/salud-en-cuba/mas-de-un-centenar-de-cubanos-ingresados-en-cuidados-intensivos-por-dengue-y-chikungunya/
  • ReliefWeb: Cuba: Arboviral Outbreak – Oct 2025 https://reliefweb.int/disaster/ep-2025-000200-cub#overview
  • PAHO – Chikungunya: https://www.paho.org/en/topics/chikungunya
  • PAHO – Dengue: https://www.paho.org/en/topics/dengue
  • PAHO – Oropouche Virus Disease: https://www.paho.org/en/topics/oropouche-virus-disease
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