Cuba Faces Mounting Health Risks Amid Disease Outbreaks and Infrastructure Strain

Infectious disease activity in Cuba is being exacerbated by interrupted water supply, damage to sanitation infrastructure, and the accumulation of solid waste in neighborhoods and cities. Power outages constrain water treatment and safe storage, increasing risks of waterborne diseases, and limiting the functioning of health facilities. 

Ongoing electricity and fuel shortages are affecting access to care, emergency response, and referral systems. Individuals dependent on electrically powered medical equipment, stable cold chain systems for temperature-sensitive medicines, or continuous care for chronic conditions face heightened vulnerability. Maternal and child health services are facing increased risks due to reduced access to care and limited transportation for obstetric emergencies. Fuel constraints have reduced ambulance services and referral capacity, and public transportation networks have been scaled down, further limiting access to health services and employment.

Hurricane-related infrastructure damage and ongoing energy availability limitations continue to disrupt health service delivery, access, and recovery efforts. Delivery of clean water, medical care, food, and humanitarian assistance has been disrupted in several areas, including provinces still recovering from Hurricane Melissa. In December 2025, over 215,000 homes were damaged, and disruptions to health, water, telecommunications, and electricity systems significantly reduced service capacity.

Localized outbreaks of Hepatitis A in the towns of Pálpite and Cidra, and the neighborhoods of Versailles and Cárdenas, were reported for Jan. 1-April 5. The geographical spread of cases across Santiago de Cuba, Ciego de Ávila, and Las Tunas indicates potential for wider geographical spread in eastern Cuba. Transmission is likely linked to the deterioration of sanitation infrastructure, as limited access to safe drinking water, a collapsed sewage system, and solid waste accumulation in residential areas have been reported. Vaccine access is limited, and delayed recognition of hepatitis and misdiagnosis of cases are also likely. 

Cuban health authorities continue to report multiple ongoing outbreaks of infectious diseases in April, including dengue fever, chikungunya, and hepatitis A. The circulation of multiple mosquito-borne diseases, combined with post-hurricane environmental conditions that favor mosquito breeding and disruptions to routine disease surveillance, supports ongoing transmission. Local health officials have confirmed ongoing circulation and transmission of dengue fever in all regions of the country, especially the western and central regions, with 1,457 cases reported for Jan. 1-31.  

The February 2026 Energy Contingency Plan has reduced diesel allocation, affecting agricultural activity and cold-chain reliability. This is contributing to increased spoilage of perishable foods and increased food safety risks. Cuba remains reliant on food imports for over 80 percent of its supply, and hurricane-related agricultural losses have reduced domestic production capacity.

Continued strengthening of surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases, protection of cold chain functionality, and sustained support for routine immunization services remain essential to maintaining population immunity and preventing outbreaks. While routine immunization coverage in Cuba has remained consistently high between 2019 and 2024, disruptions to services and subsequent delays in routine childhood vaccination schedules place children at increased risk. Reduced referral capacity and delays in access to emergencies and specialized care further elevate health risks. 

Learn more about leveraging intelligence to stay ahead of risks to your people and operations.