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Agreement in Venezuela: joint agenda for democracy

The National Assembly of Venezuela, controlled by the ruling party, and a group of former opposition legislators announced an agreement to begin a joint agenda on August 1. The objective is to strengthen democracy. The rapprochement occurs after a meeting between the president of Parliament, Jorge Rodríguez, and former deputy Dinorah Figuera, who returned to the country after almost eight years of exile.

The “joint work sheet” also responds to the call for national unity in the face of the June 24 earthquakes. According to the official balance, the earthquakes left 4,561 dead, 16,740 injured and more than 20,000 affected.

Parliament highlighted that international support for reconstruction shows the need to work in a coordinated manner to overcome the humanitarian crisis and maintain stability. The authorities consider cooperation between sectors key to national recovery.

The United States supported the initiative. The State Department proposed that the agenda serve as a roadmap for a political dialogue that leads to a democratic transition. Among the priorities: strengthen institutions, renew the National Electoral Council, restore guarantees for political participation and protect civic liberties.

The new dialogue process occurs in a political scenario transformed after the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro in January, during a US military operation, and the establishment of a transition plan promoted by Washington. Dinorah Figuera, representative of the former members of the National Assembly elected in 2015, will participate in building consensus for the political future of the country.

The United States faces its most critical year for cyclospora infections, a parasite that causes gastrointestinal disorders. With more than 30 states affected, cases already exceed the record of 2019. Health authorities maintain an open investigation to identify the origin of the outbreak, which so far has left no fatalities.

Research points to green leafy vegetables

Michigan has the largest number of infections: more than 3,300. After interviewing more than a thousand patients, health officials said that preliminary evidence points to lettuce and other salad greens as possible culprits. For this reason, they recommended buying whole lettuce, removing the outer leaves, washing them carefully and avoiding bagged presentations or ready-to-eat salad kits.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that it continues to trace various agricultural products to determine the exact source of the outbreak.

Preventive measures and increasing numbers

The Taco Bell restaurant chain announced the temporary and voluntary withdrawal of some ingredients in selected establishments as a preventive measure. Federal authorities declined to confirm whether the investigation directly involves the company or its suppliers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that since May they have identified more than 1,600 confirmed cases and another 5,100 remain under analysis. The figure is expected to continue growing in the coming weeks. Authorities are investigating a possible common outbreak in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, although they clarify that not all infections come from the same source.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the intestine and is transmitted through food or water contaminated with feces. The disease, called cyclosporiasis, usually causes severe diarrhea, cramps, nausea and fatigue, and is treated with antibiotics. Specialists consider that the increase in cases responds both to better detection methods and to environmental factors related to climate change.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that 80% of new Ebola infections in eastern Congo arise from transmission chains that have not been identified. It is the clearest sign that the outbreak is advancing faster than the ability of health teams to trace contacts.

“Perhaps the most alarming finding is that many of the recently reported deaths correspond to people who died in their communities, without ever reaching a health center,” said Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO’s director for emergencies, after visiting Bunia, one of the most affected cities in Ituri province.

Ihekweazu explained that patients who die outside the hospital system cannot be isolated nor can their contacts be traced, which accelerates the spread. “As of today, 80% of new cases are not on our contact lists,” he added.

Response exceeded

As of Monday, Congolese authorities reported at least 1,926 infections and 702 deaths in three provinces. Cases have also been confirmed in neighboring Uganda. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain—for which there is no vaccine or approved treatment—began in May and was declared by the government on the 15th of that month, after weeks of silent spread.

The treatment capacity in Bunia is approaching 800 beds and the laboratories have increased from one to 14. However, Ihekweazu said: “Despite our best efforts, we have not managed to reach it in this race.”

Obstacles and strike

The response faces a funding gap, attacks on health facilities, armed conflict in eastern Congo and community distrust. On Monday, dozens of workers at a treatment center in the northeast went on strike over lack of pay. A day later they agreed to resume work on the condition of receiving payments within 72 hours.

“A single day of strike has already caused damage. Patients were unable to access the facility,” they said in a statement, warning that any loss of life would be the responsibility of the government if the facility closes.

Clinical trials of the treatment began last week. Additionally, the US Centers for Disease Control reported on July 11 that a US citizen working for a humanitarian organization in the Congo tested positive for the virus. No further details were given.