Females of the mosquito species Aedes aegypti are carriers of dengue.

In Cuba, like in most tropical countries, dengue is a growing problem. Transmitted by mosquitoes, this viral infection causes high fever, muscle and joint pains, skin rashes, and, in the most severe cases, death. Globally, the number of dengue cases reported to the World Health Organization has increased eight-fold over the last two decades. The Cuban government is therefore aiming to tackle the spread of dengue by piloting a nuclear technique which can decrease mosquito populations.