Friday, July 10th 2026 - 08:55 UTC
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned on Thursday that the health emergency stemming from the earthquakes that struck north-central Venezuela on June 24 has entered a critical stage and is “far from over,” with the focus on preventing disease outbreaks among the displaced population. According to the official toll cited by the organization, as of July 8 the quakes had left 3,811 people dead and 16,740 injured.
At a news conference, PAHO director Jarbas Barbosa said that in the coming weeks the greatest health risks may arise not only from injuries caused by the earthquakes, but also from disruptions to health services, overcrowding in shelters, deficiencies in water and sanitation, and reduced access to vaccination and routine care. More than 17,000 people remain displaced, most housed in some 87 temporary camps, which the organization identified as the highest-risk settings.
Barbosa noted, however, that the warning does not mean a widespread outbreak already exists, and that PAHO maintains an epidemiological surveillance and early-warning system. The organization ruled out the risk of cholera and placed its main concerns on respiratory, diarrheal and skin diseases, as well as measles and whooping cough, given that Venezuela already had vaccination coverage below required levels before the disaster.
