Headline: Bolivia Reports First COVID-19 Death in Beni Department
Bolivia has reported its first COVID-19 death in the Beni department, according to Abraham Kreidstein, director of the Trinidad health center. The victim, a 69-year-old man, had not been vaccinated and was hospitalized after testing positive for the virus. This marks the third COVID-19 fatality in the country.
Kreidstein confirmed to Bolivia TV that the unvaccinated man was admitted on Friday with respiratory issues. He was subsequently tested and found positive for COVID-19. Sadly, the man later passed away at the 30 de Julio health center.
Vaccines are expected to be available in the region from January 20, 2024, onwards. This latest fatality comes after two other similar cases in Santa Cruz department, involving elderly patients who were also not vaccinated.
Antonio Castro, director of Epidemiology at the Beni Departmental Health Service (Sedes Beni), noted that this new case follows recent COVID-19 deaths in Santa Cruz and has raised concern due to the frequent movement of people between the two departments. Castro stressed the importance of adhering to biosecurity measures, such as wearing masks and washing hands regularly, to prevent the spread of the virus.
In 2024, Beni region saw 300 cases of coronavirus, with two pediatric fatalities. These two children had underlying congenital malformations. Despite the low incidence of the virus last year, the recent uptick of cases in Santa Cruz has prompted authorities to increase vigilance and promote preventative measures in Beni.
