# What to Do If You Get Bitten on Vacation? A Practical On-Site Guide
You're on vacation in the Caribbean, enjoying a sunset on the terrace, and suddenly: a bite. Then another. Don't panic — in the vast majority of cases, a mosquito bite is just a bite, with some itching that disappears within a few hours. But in the Caribbean, where dengue, chikungunya, and Zika circulate, it's important to know how to recognize warning signs and what to do.
This practical guide walks you through every step, from immediate post-bite actions to medical consultation if needed — with useful numbers and resources to find help on the spot.
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1. Normal Bite or Warning Sign? Knowing the Difference
Normal Symptoms of a Mosquito Bite
An uninfected mosquito bite causes a benign, predictable local reaction. Within minutes, a papule (small pink or white bump) appears, surrounded by a slightly red and warm area. Itching is often intense in the first few hours, then gradually subsides. The papule generally disappears within 24 to 48 hours in adults, sometimes a bit longer in children who tend to develop more pronounced reactions.
Some people experience hypersensitivity to bites (Skeeter syndrome) with more significant local reactions: swelling, widespread redness, heat. This isn't dangerous in itself, but can be uncomfortable.
Signs That Should Alert You
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, present in the Caribbean, can transmit viruses. Symptoms of infection generally appear 2 to 14 days after the bite (incubation period). Watch for these signs:
Dengue — warning signs:
- Sudden high fever (38.5°C to 40°C), often described as "saddle-back fever" (abrupt rise, slight drop, rise again)
- Intense headaches, pain behind the eyes
- Severe muscle and joint pain (dengue is sometimes called "breakbone fever")
- Skin rash appearing 3 to 5 days after fever onset
- Nausea, vomiting, intense fatigue
Severe dengue warning signs (medical emergency):
- Intense abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Bleeding (gums, nose, unexplained bruising)
- Breathing difficulties
- Mental confusion, agitation
Chikungunya — warning signs:
- Sudden fever (38–40°C)
- Very intense joint pain, often debilitating (ankles, wrists, knees)
- Skin rash
- Joint pain can persist for weeks or months
Zika — warning signs:
- Mild fever (37.5–38.5°C)
- Skin rash with small red spots
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- Moderate joint pain
- Special attention for pregnant women: Zika can cause serious fetal malformations
Golden rule: If you develop fever within 2 weeks of returning from a tropical area, see a doctor immediately and report your travel.
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2. Immediate Actions After a Bite
Step 1: Don't Scratch
This is the hardest advice to follow, but the most important. Scratching a mosquito bite worsens the local inflammatory reaction, increases the risk of secondary bacterial infection (impetigo), and can leave scars. If the itching is unbearable, press firmly on the bite with your fingernail (without scratching) for a few seconds — this provides temporary relief.
Step 2: Clean the Area
Wash the bitten area with soap and water for 30 seconds. If you have hand sanitizer gel, you can apply it additionally. Pat dry gently without rubbing.
Step 3: Soothe the Itching
Several options are effective:
- Cold: apply an ice cube wrapped in cloth or a cold compress for 5 to 10 minutes. Cold reduces inflammation and soothes itching.
- Antihistamine cream (Phenergan, Polaramine): available at pharmacies, it reduces the local allergic reaction. Very effective on bites that swell significantly.
- Cortisone cream (1% hydrocortisone): for significant reactions, a local application of corticosteroid cream quickly reduces inflammation.
- Soothing cream (Cicalfate, Biafine, aloe vera gel): for mild reactions, a soothing cream is sufficient.
- Electronic anti-itch pen (Zanza Click type): available at pharmacies, it uses mild heat to denature proteins in mosquito saliva and reduce the reaction. Very practical for travel.
Step 4: Monitor Symptoms
Note mentally (or in writing) the date and time of the bite. If symptoms appear within the following 2 to 14 days, you'll be able to inform the doctor precisely.
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3. Finding a Pharmacy or Doctor in the Caribbean
In Martinique and Guadeloupe (French Departments)
Martinique and Guadeloupe have a French healthcare system — the same as mainland France. Your Carte Vitale is valid, doctors are covered by the national health system, and pharmacies are numerous and well-stocked.
- Hospital emergency rooms: CHU de Martinique (Fort-de-France), CHU de Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre)
- General practitioners: available without appointment at medical duty houses
- Pharmacies: open during the day, with duty pharmacies at night and on weekends (list posted on each pharmacy)
- Teleconsultation: Doctolib works in the French Caribbean — convenient for a quick consultation without traveling
In the Dominican Republic
The healthcare system is less uniform. In tourist areas (Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata), good quality private clinics are available:
- Clinica Abreu (Santo Domingo)
- Hospital Bournigal (Puerto Plata)
- Hospiten Bávaro (Punta Cana)
Consultations are paid (USD 30–80) and reimbursable by your travel insurance. Bring your insurance card and assistance contact details.
In the Bahamas
Nassau has several quality hospitals and clinics:
- Princess Margaret Hospital (public hospital)
- Doctors Hospital (private clinic, recommended for tourists)
The Out Islands have more limited medical resources — medical evacuation may be necessary in case of serious emergency.
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4. Locating Pharmacies and Hospitals On-Site
To quickly find the nearest pharmacy or hospital from your location, use these resources:
- 🗺️ Google Maps: search "pharmacy" or "hospital" + your city name — results include hours, phone numbers, and directions
- 🗺️ Maps.me: works offline, useful if you have no internet connection
- 🏥 Skyscanner Hotels: [Search for accommodations with nearby medical services](https://www.skyscanner.fr/hotels/martinique)
- ✈️ Emergency return flights: [Compare emergency return flights on Skyscanner](https://www.skyscanner.fr/vols-vers/mart/martinique.html)
Tip: before departure, save the phone number of the nearest hospital to your accommodation in your contacts. This simple precaution can save precious time.
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5. Useful Numbers in the Caribbean
Save these numbers before you leave:
Martinique (France)
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| SAMU (medical emergencies) | 15 |
| Fire department | 18 |
| Police / Gendarmerie | 17 |
| European emergency number | 112 |
| CHU de Martinique | +596 596 55 20 00 |
| Duty pharmacy info | 3237 |
Guadeloupe (France)
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| SAMU | 15 |
| Fire department | 18 |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| CHU de Guadeloupe | +590 590 89 10 10 |
Dominican Republic
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| National emergencies | 911 |
| Ambulance (Cruz Roja) | 809-200-0911 |
| French Consulate | +1 809 695 4300 |
| Travel insurance assistance | Number on back of your card |
Bahamas
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergencies | 911 or 919 |
| Doctors Hospital Nassau | +1 242 302 4600 |
| French Consulate | +1 242 393 0727 |
Important: Before any Caribbean trip, verify that your travel insurance covers medical expenses on-site and medical repatriation. Hospital costs outside France can be very high.
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6. Avoiding Further Bites During the Rest of Your Stay
One bite is a signal: mosquitoes are present in your environment. Here's how to reduce risk for the rest of your stay.
Repellents: Choose and Apply Correctly
Apply a skin repellent to all exposed areas, particularly at risk times (dawn and dusk). The most effective active ingredients are DEET (30–50% for adults), picaridin (20%), and IR3535 (20–35%). Reapply every 3 to 6 hours depending on the product. Check our [complete repellent guide](/blog/guide-repulsifs-anti-moustiques-efficaces) to choose the right product for your situation.
Physical Protection
Wear long, light-colored clothing (mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors) during risk hours. Treat your clothes with a permethrin spray — protection that lasts several washes. Sleep under a mosquito net if your room isn't air-conditioned or if windows aren't fitted with insect screens.
Immediate Environment
Eliminate all standing water around your accommodation: plant saucers, buckets, tarps, gutters. Just one centimeter of water is enough for Aedes mosquitoes to reproduce. Use an electric anti-mosquito diffuser in your room at night. Keep windows closed or air conditioning on during risk hours.
After Your Return
If you develop symptoms within 2 weeks of returning (fever, joint pain, skin rash), see a doctor immediately and report your travel to a tropical area. A dengue screening test can be prescribed at the first symptoms.
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Conclusion: Vigilance Without Panic
In the Caribbean, mosquitoes are part of the landscape. The vast majority of bites cause only temporary itching. But knowing the warning signs, having the right reflexes, and knowing where to find help on-site will let you enjoy your vacation with complete peace of mind.
Prepare your anti-mosquito kit before departure (repellent, soothing cream, mosquito net), save emergency numbers in your phone, and check our articles on [dengue](/blog/dengue-caraibes-symptomes-prevention), [chikungunya](/blog/chikungunya-caraibes-guide-complet), and the [best times to travel](/blog/quand-partir-antilles-saison-pluies-moustiques) to leave well-informed.
Enjoy your vacation and stay protected! 🦟🏥