Venezuela

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | August 28th, 2001 | Trackback

Venezuela: A dengue fever epidemic is spreading in Venezuela, where three people have died and the number of cases of the mosquito-borne illness has more than doubled this year to over 24,000 infections. Symptoms include headaches, rashes, cramps and severe muscle pain. Most victims recover within a week, but one strain of the disease can be fatal if medical attention is not quickly obtained. There is no preventive except avoiding mosquito bites: wearing clothing that covers the arms and legs, and applying insect repellent.

The killing of a visiting ballet dancer in the city of Barquisimeto Aug. 10 underscores the need for caution when traveling here. The dancer, from the National Ballet of Georgia, was walking with her husband to their hotel after dinner when they were accosted by three gunmen. She panicked, fled, and was shot. Random violence has soared in the past few years because of drug trafficking, endemic poverty, easy access to guns and penal code reform that released thousands of criminals to end prison overcrowding.

Home » South America, Health warning, Venezuela

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Venezuela

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | August 20th, 2001 | Trackback

A national referendum on a new constitution will take place Dec. 15, and President Hugo Chavez has warned of civil war if it fails to pass. The threat may have some merit but it mostly appears to be political posturing to win support for a “yes” vote. Critics say the new constitution would place too much power in Chavez’s hands and create a risk of authoritarian rule. Consider deferring travel here until the results of the vote are known.

Home » Travel warning, South America, Venezuela

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Venezuela

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | August 15th, 2001 | Trackback

The country is digging out from its worst natural disaster this century after floods inundated the northern portion of the country. A total of eight states were declared disaster areas; the worst hit were Aragua, Miranda and Vargas. Defer travel here until the region has recovered.

Home » Disasters, South America, Venezuela

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Venezuela

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | August 8th, 2001 | Trackback

The crime rate, already high here, has soared in recent months, with murder and car theft at the top of the list. The murder rate of some 21 a day is twice the rate of last year; these days a car is stolen every ten minutes. Such crime in Caracas used to be confined to the slums ringing the city, but it has now spread to upscale areas. A presidential election is scheduled for May 28 and could be marred by unrest.

Home » South America, Scams/Crime, Venezuela

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Venezuela

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | August 7th, 2001 | Trackback

Terrorism is uncommon here, but recent bombs and bomb threats in Caracas have the populace on edge. Police have defused bombs in subway stations, fast-food restaurants, schools and even in the home of former Venezuelan President Carlos Andres Perez. Recently a bomb exploded in a Catholic church, causing the closure of several other churches for security reasons. Crime is high in Caracas, and these bomb incidents have added a new layer of insecurity.

Home » Terrorist threats, South America, Venezuela

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