In the state of Barinas (Venezuela), after the deaths of two doctors who were admitted to hospital with severe symptoms, local authorities carried out an investigation and ruled out an outbreak. The head of regional health services, Jose Rafael Fajardo, explained that the doctors had been in a private clinic for several days before being admitted to intensive care, where they later died. Tests for hantavirus, yellow fever, dengue fever, leptospirosis, and other dangerous infections came back negative. Samples were sent to the capital’s Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC) for more in-depth analysis.
Although a case of hantavirus had been officially confirmed in the neighboring state of Anzoátegui, Fajardo stressed that the virus was not found in the doctors who died in Barinas, despite similar symptoms. He urged residents to remain calm—the main hospital is operating as usual. Authorities have already held a meeting with infectious disease specialists and epidemiologists, and proposed establishing a local laboratory to quickly identify pathogens in the future.
Full version: Pruebas descartan hantavirus y fiebre amarilla en Barinas tras deceso de dos médicos