On Bonaire, the rainy season lasts from October to January. During this period, the risk of dengue, zika, and chikungunya increases. In both 2024 and 2025, Bonaire experienced two dengue outbreaks, with more than 900 people falling ill. Since September, the number of dengue cases has fortunately been low.
It is especially important during the rainy season to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads dengue, zika, and chikungunya, lays its eggs in standing rainwater. This mosquito is most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
Remove uncovered containers with rainwater from your yard
Aedes mosquitoes lay their eggs in uncovered items containing rainwater, such as:
– car tires
– plastic cups or containers
– buckets
– bottles
– plant pot saucers
Among all dengue cases visited in 2025 by the GGD vector control team, half had buckets containing Aedes larvae. Water tanks and car tires also frequently contained larvae.
Prevent mosquito breeding by:
– Removing all objects where rainwater collects or emptying them daily
– Covering water tanks and rain barrels with a lid, cloth, or mosquito netting
– Checking your yard at least once a week
Protection against mosquito bites
– Use mosquito repellent containing DEET
– Wear clothing that covers the body
– Use window screens or sleep under a mosquito net (bed net)
Chikungunya in Cuba and Barbados
Bonaire last experienced a chikungunya outbreak in 2015. In 2025, new cases have been reported in Cuba and Barbados, as well as outbreaks in parts of Asia and Europe.
For this reason, GGD Bonaire remains highly alert.
Travelers to countries with chikungunya, dengue, or zika are advised to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
More tips and advice
For guidance on treating rain barrels or water tanks, you can call GGD Bonaire at 715-5324.
More tips and FAQs about dengue, zika, and chikungunya can be found at:
www.bonairegov.com/muggen
Press release: Public Entity Bonaire