In the community of San Manuel de Colohete, in the department of Lempira, western Honduras, two children, ages six and two, died in circumstances similar to those of other children in the same region.
The children presented diarrhea and fever, the same symptoms previously observed in siblings Weslin Ernesto Rivera López and Nohemí Rivera, who died on June 5 and 25, respectively.
According to local media reports, the deaths of the children were reported by a doctor, whose name has not been revealed, to municipal authorities in Gracias, Lempira.
The health professional explained that it was not possible to perform tests on the first child, Weslin Rivera, as he died the same day he was admitted to the hospital.
However, the sister received two medical visits and, due to her brother’s medical history, it was decided to send her to the Mario Catarino Rivas Hospital in San Pedro Sula, Cortés, where she died.
“The deaths of a six-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl were reported on June 29, due to self-medication,” the doctor said.
Visibly concerned, the doctor said, ” The situation is alarming. We’re doing the right thing, but we don’t know what to do.”
Currently, two more minors remain hospitalized, one at Juan Manuel Gálvez Hospital and the other, in serious condition, at Catarino Rivas Hospital.
The Juan Manuel Gálvez Hospital in Gracias, Lempira, is investigating whether the siblings’ deaths were due to a viral or bacterial infection, or whether they were caused by possible pesticide poisoning.
Becker Peña, the hospital’s deputy director, stated that all necessary measures are being taken to determine the causes of the deaths.
Local authorities are closely monitoring the case, and the community remains concerned about the pattern of unexplained deaths affecting children in the area.
