Three people die from hantavirus in Venezuela

CARACAS – Venezuelan health authorities have confirmed that three people have died after contracting hantavirus. So far, there is no evidence that the virus was transmitted from person to person.

The Ministry of Health has not disclosed where the infections occurred or which hantavirus strain is involved. Hantaviruses are typically spread by rodents and can cause severe respiratory illness in humans.

Earlier this year, an outbreak of the Andes strain drew international attention after it was detected aboard the Dutch expedition cruise ship m/v Hondius, where three people also died. The World Health Organization (WHO) later confirmed that the outbreak had been contained.

At this time, there is no indication that the deaths in Venezuela are linked to that earlier outbreak.

Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire

Authorities have found no evidence that the virus has spread to Aruba, Curaçao or Bonaire, and no health alerts have been issued for the islands.

Anyone who recently traveled to the affected area in Venezuela and later develops symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, coughing or shortness of breath is advised to seek medical attention and report their travel history.