The Daily Journal – Venezuela’s Ministry of People’s Power for Health (MPPS) confirmed Tuesday that three patients in Anzoátegui died after testing positive for hantavirus. The ministry also reported the deaths of two physicians in Barinas, although investigators have not yet determined the cause.
In a statement, the ministry explained that the two incidents occurred separately and do not share any connection.
“These are isolated, localized events that do not pose a risk to the general population,” the ministry said, reiterating that authorities found no link between the situations reported in the two states.
In Anzoátegui, health officials confirmed that the three deceased patients had tested positive for hantavirus, a rodent-borne virus found mainly in rural and agricultural areas. The ministry reminded the public that people contract the virus by inhaling particles contaminated with rodent urine, feces, or saliva in enclosed spaces. It also stressed that scientific evidence has not shown person-to-person transmission in Venezuela.
In Barinas, the MPPS expressed condolences for the deaths of two physicians and stated that investigators continue to determine the cause. Separately, José Rafael Fajardo, the state’s Single Health Authority, ruled out hantavirus, yellow fever, hemorrhagic fever, and dengue after laboratory tests returned negative results for those viruses.
The ministry stated that the National Public Health System remains fully deployed and operational in the affected states to safeguard public health. It also urged citizens to remain calm and rely exclusively on information released through official channels.
Authorities said they will announce the final results of the ongoing scientific investigations as soon as they become available. Meanwhile, they advised residents—especially those living in rural areas—to avoid contact with rodents and properly ventilate enclosed spaces.
