U.S. Embassy Warns of Rising Diarrheal Illnesses in Cuba Amid Fuel Blockade

The U.S. embassy in Havana released a health warning on Friday, noting a marked rise in diarrheal illnesses across Cuba tied to the collapse of water and energy systems. The deterioration, officials said, hampers safe water delivery and food storage, especially refrigeration. The alert arrives nine months after the Trump administration instituted a fuel blockade that has deepened blackouts and strained sanitary conditions.

United Nations-appointed human-rights experts have labeled the blockade a breach of international law and warned of escalating disease risk. Residents have reported prolonged bouts of fever, body aches, and diarrhea, often aggravated by the lack of air-conditioning and refrigeration during the hot season. The embassy urged both visitors and locals to be wary of perishable foods that may have been left at room temperature for extended periods.