Yes, you can get Chikungunya from a mosquito bite in Antigua and Barbuda. There is a risk of Chikungunya transmission on these twin islands. Chikungunya is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are also the mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever and Zika virus. So, It's important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites when in Chikungunya-affected areas.
Of course we wish you a peaceful and relaxing trip. So, you can take some key precautions to avoid this kind of virus on the island. This way, you can have a more pleasant and enjoyable visit, without worrying about illnesses:
- Use mosquito repellent with DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin.
- Stay in hotels or resorts with mosquito nets on the beds.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- If you are staying in a room without a mosquito net, close the windows and doors at night to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
- Avoid standing water, where mosquitoes breed.
- If a mosquito bites you, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water.
- When you arrive, you can also inquire at the hotel about additional precautions recommended by locals to prevent mosquito bites.
Follow these recommendations and we hope nothing happens to you. However, if something happens to you or you notice a mosquito bite, take quick action. Wash the area with soap and water immediately. In fact, if you have your doctor's contact, you can contact him/her to ask for some recommendations. If after at least three days you feel any important symptoms, we recommend you to visit a local doctor in Antigua. Also, we invite you to check out how are they controlling mosquito in Jolly Harbour.
It is always important to keep in mind the essential information for your trip and take the necessary precautions to avoid setbacks. For that reason, about the health centers in Antigua, we invite you to read about what hospitals are there in Antigua and Barbuda.
