U.S. Embassy warns of rising intestinal illness in Cuba

The U.S. Embassy in Havana said it had observed a significant increase in diarrheal illness across Cuba and associated it with continuing deterioration of water and energy infrastructure. [1][2]

The embassy said the infrastructure deterioration affects water supply, food storage and temperature control. Its warning therefore connected the illness concern to both sanitation and refrigeration conditions. [1][2]

The alert advised travelers and residents to be cautious with perishable foods that may have been inadequately stored and with food left at room temperature for extended periods. [1][2]

The reporting described blackouts lasting days as commonplace amid the fuel restrictions and said the outages made refrigeration difficult. It also noted that heat can make sleeping without fans or air conditioning difficult. [1][2]

The administration said its sanctions were intended to pressure Cuba’s government. UN-appointed human-rights experts called the fuel blockade a violation of international law, while UN experts had warned in August of a growing disease-outbreak risk. [1][2]