Venezuela confirms three deaths from hantavirus in the state of Anzoátegui

Authorities are also investigating the deaths of two health professionals in the state of Barinas. According to the ministry, these episodes are not, so far, associated with the cases registered in Anzoátegui, and the causes of deaths still need to be clarified.

In a statement, the ministry highlighted that hantavirus is transmitted mainly through contact with rodents in rural and agricultural environments. Contamination can occur through inhalation of particles from the urine, feces or saliva of these animals, especially in closed spaces.

The ministry also stated that there is no scientific evidence of transmission between people in Venezuelan territory.

According to the government, the National Health System remains in operation to monitor the situation and adopt the necessary measures. The conclusive results of the investigations should be released later through official channels.

Earlier this month, the World Health Organization said it could consider the hantavirus outbreak identified on board a cruise ship closed, as long as no new cases emerged among the 54 people still in quarantine. Total infections had remained stable at 13 for several weeks.

The ship Hondius had left Ushuaia, in the extreme south of Argentina, on April 1, with passengers of different nationalities, for a crossing of the South Atlantic. During the trip, three people died and four others showed symptoms of the disease.

The vessel later headed to the Canary Islands, where passengers and part of the crew disembarked. The repatriation was organized in an operation that included the participation of the WHO and the Spanish authorities.

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