Mosquitoes on panama canal fort Lauderdale cruise

[indexcards]

Historically, before zika virus, how much of a problem are mosquitoes at these ports? Aruba, Cartegena. Limon, Gatun Lake. , Grand Cayman...

 

On day trips do they present a problem?

 

Where were they the worst? Did they detract from your good time?

[LHT28]

before Zika we never saw a Mozzie on any of our cruises

 

we went on a Central American cruise in April did not see any then either but we did take some OFF with us

[Grandma Dazzles]

Did see a lot of bugs of all kinds during Panama Canal cruise, specifically Cartegena, Limon, Gatan Lake, and did use bug wipes, especially on shore excursions.

 

Never had a problem in Aruba or Cayman's, and have cruised there and spent land vacations there.

[BillB48]

The only time mosquitos are prevalent are dawn and dusk in less developed areas. During regular day time you will be hard pressed to find one. To be on the safe side just cover up as much as possible and take a good bug spray.

[jamessemaj]

I've been on 2 full transits and don't remember any problem with mosquitos. But the question reminds me of the history of building the canal and the high toll that mosquitos and malaria played.

[indexcards]

I read that the zika carrying mosquitoes are out in the daytime, not just dawn and dusk, so this would be excursion time.

I'll just take care to use proper repellant and cover up as much as possible with light colored clothes.

[sapper1]

I have made four full transits of the canal and can honestly say I never once laid eyes on a mosquito. We were fully prepared with bug spray but never needed it. I wonder if the Canal Zone is fogged to combat the potential problem. It would make sense to do so.

[Krazy Kruizers]

This past spring we just completed another full transit of the canal. We were not bother by mosquitos or any other bugs.

We did take DEET along with us -- just in case.

[cb at sea]

Do keep your balcony door CLOSED while in Panama....I didn't see mosquitos, but all sorts of other flying things would come in whenever we opened the balcony door to go in or out!

[indexcards]

Thank you all. Sounds good. For some reason mosquitoes do not bother me at all but any mosquito in area will find my husband.

[yuccaman]

Cayman and Aruba never ran across a mosquito. Your mileage will vary in Panama and Costa Rica, depending on whether you are heading into the forest on tours, etc.

 

What they say about standing water is true, if you are near any such areas you will notice it more. Any kind of water movement prevents breeding of eggs. Here in the Everglades, when you are on an island hammock, they are fierce. Go into the sawgrass where the water flows- mosquito free!

 

The worst experience I ever had was at the pyramids in Belize, in a low lying area. I was attacked, terribly, and mosquitoes don't even LIKE me!

[JimAOk1945]

We didn't have any problems with mosquitoes and my wife is a mosquito-magnet. Our cruise was in December over the Christmas holiday. We had a great time. Enjoy your cruise.

[Underwatr]

The mosquitoes that carry Zika also carry Chikungunya. As someone said, they're active during the day, and in urban areas as much as jungle.

[Pudgesmom]

The only time mosquitos are prevalent are dawn and dusk in less developed areas. During regular day time you will be hard pressed to find one. To be on the safe side just cover up as much as possible and take a good bug spray.

 

This is incorrect. The mosquito which transmits Zika and several other diseases is active during the day, so precautions should be taken then as well. It is other mosquitos which are active at dusk and dawn.

[BillB48]

This is incorrect. The mosquito which transmits Zika and several other diseases is active during the day, so precautions should be taken then as well. It is other mosquitos which are active at dusk and dawn.

 

I stated that they prevalent at dawn and dusk which is when they feed. Staying in populated areas during the day greatly reduces the chances of encountering them.

[Underwatr]

The mosquitoes that transmit Zika are aggressive daytime biters, according to the US CDC.

 

https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2016/02/5-things-you-really-need-to-know-about-zika/

 

They are also prevalent in urban areas, not just jungles

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/35427491