Venezuela Reports 3 Hantavirus Deaths, 2 More Cases Suspected

WHO:

AP News - The Venezuelan Health Ministry confirmed the deaths.

AP News - The Venezuelan Medical Federation, a national professional group, reported on the fatalities.

WHAT:

ABC News Health - Venezuela confirmed three people died of hantavirus infections.

AP News - Two additional deaths are suspected to be related to hantavirus.

AP News - The ministry described the deaths as isolated incidents that “do not represent a risk to the general community.”

WHERE:

AP News - The confirmed deaths occurred in the eastern state of Anzoátegui.

AP News - The suspected hantavirus cases involve two health workers in the southwestern state of Barinas, approximately 655 kilometers (407 miles) from Anzoátegui.

AP News - The fatalities in Anzoátegui were reported in the rural municipality of Miranda.

WHEN:

AP News - The confirmation of the three deaths occurred on a Tuesday.

WHY:

AP News - There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of hantavirus in Venezuela.

HOW:

AP News - Hantaviruses are primarily spread by contact with rodents such as rats and mice.

(UPDATED July 22, 2026 16:27 UTC)

Venezuela has confirmed that three people have died from hantavirus infections, with the fatalities occurring in the rural municipality of Miranda in the eastern state of Anzoátegui. Additionally, two health workers in the southwestern state of Barinas are suspected to have contracted the virus, although the Health Ministry has stated that these deaths are isolated incidents and do not pose a risk to the general community. It's important to note that there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of hantavirus in Venezuela, as the virus is primarily spread through contact with rodents.