Travel safely — Our protection tips

Protect yourself
from mosquitoes
in the Caribbean

Complete guide on local species, transmitted diseases — dengue, chikungunya, Zika — and the best protection strategies for travelers and residents.

3major diseases
2local species
13Mcases in 2024
Traveling to the Caribbean?martiniquetours.shop
Aedes aegypti — dengue vector mosquito in the Caribbean

Aedes aegypti — main vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika

Complete guide

Vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika

Caribbean entomology

Mosquito species in the Caribbean

Three main species are responsible for disease transmission in the Caribbean region. Knowing them helps you protect yourself better.

Aedes aegypti

Yellow fever mosquito

Very high
Risk level

Main disease vector in the Caribbean. Recognizable by its white stripes on black background. Breeds in small water containers.

Transmitted diseases
DengueChikungunyaZikaYellow fever
Daytime (morning and late afternoon)
Urban areas, small water containers
All Caribbean islands
Characteristics
  • Distinctive white stripes
  • Size: 4–7 mm
  • Silent bite
  • Insecticide-resistant

Aedes albopictus

Asian tiger mosquito

High
Risk level

Highly adaptable invasive species. More aggressive than Aedes aegypti, it can bite through light clothing.

Transmitted diseases
DengueChikungunyaZika
Daytime (all day)
Peri-urban areas, dense vegetation
Martinique, Guadeloupe, Trinidad
Characteristics
  • Bold black and white stripes
  • Size: 2–10 mm
  • Very aggressive
  • Painful bite

Culex quinquefasciatus

Common house mosquito

Moderate
Risk level

Active at night, responsible for lymphatic filariasis. Breeds in stagnant and polluted waters.

Transmitted diseases
Lymphatic filariasisWest Nile virusSt. Louis encephalitis
Nocturnal (sunset to sunrise)
Wastewater, ditches, swamps
All Caribbean
Characteristics
  • Uniform brown color
  • Size: 4–10 mm
  • Audible buzzing
  • Nocturnal bite