Venezuela's Ministry of Health has confirmed three deaths from hantavirus in the eastern state of Anzoátegui, the country's first acknowledged fatalities from the rodent-borne illness.
The virus spreads through inhalation of particles from rodent urine, feces, or saliva in enclosed spaces, primarily in rural and agricultural areas. Authorities have ruled out human-to-human transmission, saying there is no scientific evidence of person-to-person spread within the country.
Two additional deaths involving medical professionals in Barinas state remain under investigation and have not been linked to hantavirus, officials said. The confirmed cases in Anzoátegui and the Barinas incidents are being treated as unrelated.