34 waraos move to Carúpano due to possible tuberculosis

At least 34 Warao indigenous people are isolated in a kind of churuata in the Directorate of Environmental Health, former Malariology, in Carúpano, due to the suspicion of a tuberculosis outbreak.

The waraos moved on their own to the capital of the Bermúdez municipality after presenting suspicious symptoms of tuberculosis, including chronic cough, fever and headaches.

They are located in the hamlet of María López, in Guariquén, Benítez municipality of Sucre state, published the newspaper The Time on Wednesday, October 2.

Chief Antonio García said that they moved due to the lack of attention from local authorities. They are now waiting for the results of blood and sputum tests; as well as the review of plates by a doctor.

“We came to be treated, have exams, x-rays and sputum tests. The suspicion is that it is tuberculosis (…) We had time calling the institutions to meet and see how we could take a medical team to Guariquén and we have not been able to. That’s why we took the initiative to come here,” said García.

García added that the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples was in charge of the transfer. He considers it possible that sick indigenous people in nearby hamlets may join, who need medical attention.

In addition to health care, Waraos require help with feeding and identificationsince many do not have an identity card. In the María López hamlet they are cared for by the ministries of Ecosocialism, Culture and Indigenous Peoples.