US Embassy warns of rising gastrointestinal illnesses in Cuba
The US Embassy in Havana issued a warning on September 4 about a noticeable increase in cases of diarrhea and gastrointestinal illnesses in Cuba. The diplomatic mission linked this to the continued deterioration of water and electricity supply systems, affecting access to water, food storage and temperature control.
Advice for residents and travelers
As Channel NewsAsia reports, the embassy advised residents and travelers to be cautious about perishable foods that may have been improperly stored. The warning also recommended avoiding food that may have been left at room temperature for an extended period.
Residents of Cuba have for several months complained of widespread illnesses accompanied by diarrhea, fever and body aches lasting several days. According to Reuters, many people are left bedridden because of this.
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Power outages and sanctions
The warning came nine months after the administration of US President Donald Trump imposed a fuel blockade on the island, Reuters reports. The agency notes that this contributed to a sharp increase in power outages and made it more difficult to store food and maintain sanitary conditions in homes and businesses.
UN-appointed human rights experts called the fuel blockade a violation of international law. In August, a group of UN experts also warned of a growing risk of disease outbreaks in Cuba amid tightened US sanctions. The Trump administration says the sanctions are necessary to change the government on the island, while Trump has called Cuba a threat to US national security.
Reuters also reports that prolonged blackouts in summer make it difficult to sleep without air conditioning or a fan and to store food without a refrigerator. Power outages lasting several days have become commonplace in Cuba.
