Canada has updated its travel advisory for Cuba, alerting Canadians planning a winter escape to a potential health risk.
According to the travel advisory update issued by the Government of Canada, travellers heading to Cuba should take note of a new travel health notice warning of the Oropouche virus disease (OVD).
“There are outbreaks of Oropouche virus disease (OVD) happening in the Americas,” reads the statement. “While this virus has been found in the region before, there are now more cases than usual, and some areas are seeing cases for the first time. Some countries have reported travel-related cases, with most reported in people coming back from Cuba.”
The travel health notice also applies to Panama.
What is the Oropouche virus?
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OVD can spread to humans through the bite of a midge or some types of mosquitoes. Often, symptoms start three to eight days after being bitten, and common ones include chills, sudden fever, severe headache, muscle, and joint pain. These symptoms can last up to seven days and even return days or weeks later. If you develop these symptoms after returning to Canada, make sure to contact your health care provider and tell them where you’ve been travelling.
Although most people recover, complications can develop and lead to more serious illnesses such as meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and hemorrhage (heavy bleeding).
Currently, symptoms can only be managed as there’s no treatment for OVD or a vaccine for the disease.
What should you do if you have travel plans to Cuba?
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If you have a trip to Cuba coming up, try to speak to your health care provider ideally six weeks before. If that’s not possible, you can book an appointment closer to your travel date for personalized health advice.
People who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should discuss these risks with their health care provider, who may advise against nonessential travel to areas experiencing an outbreak. That’s because a pregnant person infected with the virus runs the risk of passing it on to their baby, which could lead to serious problems like stillbirth or “issues with the baby’s head and brain development.”
It’s important to protect yourself from midges and mosquitoes by using insect repellent or bug spray on exposed skin and staying in places that can keep insects out. If you plan to sleep outdoors during the day or night, use insecticide-treated mosquito netting.
You can further protect yourself by wearing light-coloured clothing made of tightly woven materials, long pants and tucked-in long-sleeved shirts, closed-toe shoes or boots, and a hat.
“Seek medical care if you feel sick and develop symptoms similar to those caused by OVD,” reads the statement.
In January, another travel advisory update warned Canadians of power cuts and shortages of essentials.