According to Reuters, on September 4th local time, the U.S. Embassy in Cuba issued a health alert for Cuba, warning travelers and residents that due to disruptions in water and electricity supply, cases of intestinal diseases and diarrhea are on the rise.
But at the same time, the Trump administration continued to blockade Cuba, preventing Cuba from obtaining the fuel necessary for power generation.
The US Embassy has noted a significant increase in diarrhea cases in Gubei, and this is related to the ongoing deterioration of water supply infrastructure and energy facilities. The embassy warned that these deteriorations are affecting water supply, food storage, and temperature control.
The alert also advises travelers and residents in Cuba to "exercise caution with perishable foods that may have been stored improperly," and warns them not to eat "food that appears to have been left at room temperature for a long time."
Screenshot of poster from the US Embassy in Cuba
The latest warnings from the US were issued after months of fuel embargoes imposed by the Trump administration on Cuba. This has led to a sharp increase in power shortages in Cuba, making refrigeration and sanitary measures for households and businesses more complex.
UN-appointed human rights expert says Trump administration's fuel embargo violates international law.
In August this year, a team of United Nations experts warned that the risk of disease outbreaks in Cuba is increasing as the United States intensifies its sanctions. The experts stated, “The humanitarian consequences have evolved into a full-blown crisis, threatening people’s rights to health, life, food, and development.”
Since January this year, the United States has increased its pressure on Cuba. U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose additional tariffs on countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba, exacerbating the ongoing economic and financial crisis in Cuba. Cuban public transportation is largely paralyzed, and tens of thousands of surgeries have been canceled.
According to American media reports, Cuba's domestic oil production can only meet about 40% of its domestic needs, and there is no solution for fuel imports.
Meanwhile, residents across Cuba have been complaining about rampant diseases, which have caused diarrhea, fever, and general body aches that persist for several days. Many people are bedridden. In the humid summer of the Caribbean region, it is difficult to sleep without air conditioning or fans, and it’s impossible to preserve food without a refrigerator.
Cuban Foreign Minister Rodríguez previously stated that the U.S. government is continuously intensifying its war against the Cuban people, destroying their living conditions and sources of income. This action fully exposes the criminal intentions of U.S. policymakers to punish the entire Cuban population and their attempts at 'genocide'.
