Viruses spread across Cuba amid water, power outages

Cuba is facing a surge in illnesses, including diarrhea and viral hepatitis, as severe water and electricity shortages undermine sanitation and healthcare. In Havana, residents describe going days or weeks without running water, while power cuts disable water pumps and spoil food; the United Nations says about 3.5 million people across the island are affected by water shortages. Cuban authorities have also reported rising mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue and chikungunya, amid hot, rainy weather. Health facilities are contending with shortages of water, medicines and reliable power as residents struggle to maintain hygiene and find treatment.