Health risks

Cuba is a developing country with a totalitarian, communist government.

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CRIME: Common crime against foreign travellers in Cuba is generally limited to pickpocketing, purse snatching or grabs and run, or the taking of unattended items. The incidents usually occur in crowded areas such as markets, beaches, and other popular destinations and gathering points.

Although most common crime is non-violent in nature.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care does not meet U.S. standards. While medical professionals are generally competent, many health facilities face shortages of medical supplies and bed space. Many medications are unavailable so travelers to Cuba should bring with them any prescribed medicine in its original container and in amounts commensurate with personal use. A copy of the prescription and a letter from the prescribing physician explaining the need for prescription drugs facilitates their entry into the country..

Arthropodborne diseases:

Dengue Fever

We recommend:

Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
Usage og insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses

Water- and foodborne diseases:

Traveller's Diarrhoae
ETEC (E.coli)
Hepatitis A
Amoebiasis

Other diseases:

Hepatitis B

Vaccination recommendation:

Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
Typhoid fever - typhoid vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
Rabies - if risk for contact with animals
A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Stay healthy:

Wash hands often with soap and water.
Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans
Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
Do not travel at night
Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.

Compulsory vaccinations: none.

Recommended immunisations: *diphtheria, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, polio, *TB, tetanus, typhoid * recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month.

Risks: rabies.

Blood transfusion & tissue transplantation risk according to UK BTS:

Malaria: No
Trypanasoma Cruzi Risk: No
Sub Saharan Africa: No
West Nile Virus Risk: No
Chikungunya Virus Risk: No

Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations and malaria situation in Cuba
Food and Water Safety
HIV Risk
Check travelers health risks by CDC before, after and while traveling to Cuba and prevention before arrival at Cuba.

Travel data, health safety, warnings and recommendations for Canadian who willing to visit Cuba