Cuba

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• There is no malaria in the country.
• There are cases of animal rabies in the country.
• Diarrheic diseases are common.

FOOD SAFETY

• Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.
• Theoretically, tap water is drinkable but it is recommended to boil or purify it, or to drink bottled mineral water, without ice.
• Avoid eating ice cream and sherbet.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked dishes, especially meat or fish. If possible, order hot dishes.
• Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before each meal.
  
  

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• No immunization is required to enter the Cuban territory.
Systematically:
• Hepatitis A: the vaccination is available for children at least one year old. For persons who were born before 1945, who have spent their childhood in a developing country or who have had an icterus, it may prove useful to search previously for serous antibodies in order to avoid an unnecessary shot.
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination is available for children at least two months old.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis: get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.



Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip:
• Typhoid fever: if the stay is occurring in precarious hygiene condition. The immunization is available for children at least 2 years old.
• Rabies: recommended for long stays in isolation. The immunization should be given to children as soon as they are able to walk.
• Tuberculosis: in case of a long stay, it is recommended to have children immunized against tuberculosis as soon as they reach the age of one month, and against mumps, measles and rubella when they reach the age of nine months.

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

La Habana
• Clinica Central Cira Garcia, Calle 20 No 4101 esq Av 41: phone + 53 7 204 2811
• Clinica Internacional De Santa Maria, Av Terrazas No 36: phone + 53 7 97 1032
• Clinica Internacional de Cayo Largo, Cayo Largo: phone + 53 45 248 238
• Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital, Calle San Lazaro No. 701 e/Marques Gonzalez y Belascoain: phone + 53 7 616 950/615 562, fax + 53 7 335 036



Santiago de Cuba
• Clinica Internacional Santiago De Cuba, Av Pujol esq calle 10: phone + 53 22 642 589
• Hospital General Saturnino Lora, Carretera Central: phone + 53 22 626 571



Camagüey
• Hospital Provincial de Camagüey: phone + 53 32 82010

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Ambulances / firemen / police: 116

CLIMATE

• Climate is tropical with a dry season from November to May and a wet season from June to October (short and violent rainfalls). Temperatures are slightly higher in the summertime (27°C vs 22°C in the winter).
• Most important rainfalls occur in September and October and are often accompanied by cyclones.
• When to go: between November and May.