With 34 cases of the deadly hantavirus in TonosiLos Santos. health authorities have suspended the presence of pilgrims for pre World Youth Day  (WYD)  activities in the area.

In the province of Los Santos, 49 people of different ages have been reported, with the hantavirus, of which three have died. (two from the district of Pocrí and the other in Tonosí.

Delfina Sáez, Regional Coordinator of Public Health of Los Santos, said that as Tonosí reports the largest number of cases it was determined not to allow pilgrims to that zone.

She said that the decision was made in coordination with Itza Barahona de Mosca, general director of Health of the Ministry of Health.

Sáez said that the Ministry of Health has already communicated the decision to the Catholic Church authorities and the Diocese of Chitré (Herrera and Los Santos) will have to take measures to overcome the inconvenience due to the public health measures that have been taken.

However, he said that the youth of Tonosí will have a participation in the Pre WYD  to be held a week before the day.