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Mosquitoes in Haiti

Overall Risk: Moderate

Haiti has year-round mosquito activity, with peak risk during the rainy seasons from April through June and August through November. The entire country carries significant risk, with Port-au-Prince and densely populated urban areas being dengue hotspots. Rural areas have additional malaria exposure. Inadequate sanitation and water infrastructure amplify breeding opportunities.

Precautions

CDC recommends EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
WHO advises long-sleeved clothing and long trousers during dusk and dawn hours
WHO recommends permethrin-treated bed nets where accommodation is open-air or unscreened
WHO emphasises eliminating standing water to prevent Aedes breeding
CDC recommends intact window screens in accommodation
CDC recommends antimalarial chemoprophylaxis for travellers to malaria transmission zones

Haiti Mosquito Season

Haiti has year-round mosquito activity, with peak risk during the rainy seasons from April through June and August through November. The entire country carries significant risk, with Port-au-Prince and densely populated urban areas being dengue hotspots. Rural areas have additional malaria exposure. Inadequate sanitation and water infrastructure amplify breeding opportunities.

WHO and CDC surveillance reports indicate that the seasonal mosquito risk in Haiti aligns with rainfall patterns and temperature, with peak transmission of Haiti's most-reported disease (Dengue Fever) typically following the wet season. Travel timing should account for these climatic windows.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Haiti

Mozzwise tracks 5 mosquito-borne diseases in Haiti based on WHO, CDC, and ECDC surveillance. Each entry below cross-links to a full Mozzwise disease briefing.

Dengue Fever is recorded in Haiti with moderate severity according to current surveillance. Travelers to endemic areas, young children, pregnant women, and people with prior dengue infection. A second infection with a different serotype carries a significantly higher risk of severe disease. Reported globally in: Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide — Southeast Asia, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Pacific Islands.

Chikungunya is tracked as present in Haiti based on historical surveillance, though active transmission is not currently flagged. Elderly travelers, newborns, and people with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. The debilitating joint pain can persist for months or years, significantly affecting quality of life. Reported globally in: Africa, Asia, Indian subcontinent, Americas. Expanding into southern Europe (Italy, France, Spain).

Lymphatic Filariasis is tracked as present in Haiti based on historical surveillance, though active transmission is not currently flagged. Long-term residents and expats in endemic tropical areas. Very rare in short-term tourists. The infection requires sustained, repeated exposure over months — a two-week holiday is extremely unlikely to result in infection. Reported globally in: Tropical Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands. Approximately 47 endemic countries.

Malaria is tracked as present in Haiti based on historical surveillance, though active transmission is not currently flagged. Young children under 5, pregnant women, and travelers without immunity are most vulnerable. Around 600,000 people die from malaria each year. The right precautions and prophylaxis make all the difference. Reported globally in: Sub-Saharan Africa (90% of cases), South and Southeast Asia, Central and South America, Middle East.

Zika Virus is tracked as present in Haiti based on historical surveillance, though active transmission is not currently flagged. Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy are the primary concern. The virus can cause devastating birth defects including microcephaly. Most adults recover without issues within a week. Reported globally in: Tropical Americas, Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands. Ongoing low-level transmission since the 2015-2016 epidemic.

How to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Haiti

Public health agencies converge on a layered approach to reducing mosquito bites in Haiti. The core recommendations across CDC, WHO, and ECDC are as follows.

Skin-applied repellents. CDC recommends EPA-registered repellents containing one of four tested active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus / para-menthane-diol. CDC advises applying sunscreen first and repellent on top, and reapplying at the interval stated on the product label.

Permethrin-treated clothing. WHO and CDC both recommend permethrin treatment of trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and socks for settings with sustained mosquito exposure. Permethrin binds to fabric and is effective against both Aedes and Anopheles species. It is not applied to skin.

Accommodation. Air-conditioned rooms with intact window screens substantially reduce indoor exposure. Bed nets — ideally permethrin-treated — are standard in open-air or budget accommodation. WHO emphasises removing standing water around accommodation, as even bottle caps, plant saucers, and water-storage containers can support Aedes breeding.

Timing. Aedes vectors active in cities and resort areas typically bite in daylight, with peaks in early morning and late afternoon. Anopheles vectors active in forested or rural areas typically bite at night.

For travelers to malaria transmission zones in Haiti, CDC and WHO recommend prescription chemoprophylaxis. The specific regimen depends on geography and individual circumstances and is a personal decision with a qualified travel health professional.

For product reviews and brand comparisons see our [travel prevention guides](/guides). Personal decisions on repellent choice, vaccination, or any prescription medication remain with a qualified travel health professional.

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More in Central America & Caribbean

Explore mosquito risk briefings for other destinations in Central America & Caribbean.

MexicoGuatemalaBelizeHondurasEl SalvadorNicaraguaCosta RicaPanamaCubaDominican RepublicJamaicaPuerto RicoTrinidad and TobagoBahamasBarbadosGrenadaDominicaSaint LuciaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint VincentAntigua and Barbuda

Sources

Content on this page draws from the following sources, last verified on 2026-06-06.

Disease presence data is sourced from WHO, CDC, ECDC, and OpenDengue. Not medical advice. Personal decisions on repellents, vaccinations, or medication belong with a qualified travel health professional.

Mosquito Risk in Haiti | Mozzwise