International
Mexico arrests doctor and two officials accused of spreading deadly meningitis
February 8th |
Mexican police arrested a doctor and two people implicated in the spread of a mysterious outbreak of meningitis in the northern state of Durango, which has left 35 people dead from the disease in recent months, all of them women.
Durango police early Tuesday arrested the doctor accused of using infected drugs that may have caused the disease.
Another 79 citizens have been hospitalized with symptoms of being infected, according to official data.
The doctor, who specialized in anesthesiology, was arrested and charged with illegal practices, including the reuse of medicines in the private hospitals where he worked. His full name has not been disclosed.
Later on Tuesday, the Durango prosecutor’s office confirmed the arrest of two other people, a man and a woman, officials of the commission for protection against health risks in the northern state (Coprised) for the crimes of omission of information and inappropriate activities.
Meningitis is usually associated with a painful inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, often caused by a virus or, in some cases, by bacteria or a fungal infection.
The affected patients in Durango were likely infected with fungal meningitis while undergoing procedures at the same hospitals where the doctor worked, according to Durango state prosecutor Sonia Garza.
At a press conference in the state capital, she explained that the first procedures involving the infected patients took place last August, and that many of them had been given anesthesia for obstetric procedures.
Garza said the detainee carried out procedures without any restrictions and added that he carried his own medication for the patients, including unauthorized regulated drugs.
The outbreak has raised concerns both in Mexico and among international organizations after the first death was confirmed last November.
Garza added that the detained doctor was the only one who performed procedures at the four hospitals where infections have been reported. She said he denied using his own medications at a hearing before prosecutors.
Reuters could not immediately seek comment from the doctor, nor locate his lawyer, but contacted his son who defended his father’s innocence.
“They made direct accusations to my dad without any proof,” he said, declining to provide his name.
The meningitis outbreak is limited to private hospitals in the state capital, also known as Durango, according to the Mexican Health Ministry.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
International
Rubio rules out 2028 presidential bid if Vance runs
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would not seek the presidency in 2028 if current Vice President JD Vancedecides to run as the Republican nominee to succeed President Donald Trump.
“If JD Vance runs for president, he will be our candidate, and I will be one of the first people to support him,” Rubio said in an interview with Vanity Fair, in which he appeared alongside other senior members of the presidential cabinet.
Rubio, 54, and Vance, 41, are widely viewed as two of the leading Republican figures who could headline the party’s ticket in the 2028 election. Under the U.S. Constitution, Trump is barred from seeking another term after completing two presidential mandates.
In a lighthearted moment during the interview, Vance jokingly offered photographers $1,000 if they managed to make him look better than Rubio in the photos. Both leaders have received public backing from Trump, who last October floated the idea of a joint ticket featuring Rubio and Vance, without clarifying who would lead it.
“I think that if they ever teamed up, they would be unstoppable. I don’t think anyone would run against us,” Trump said at the time.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who also took part in the interview, confirmed that Trump does not intend to violate the 22nd Amendment, which prohibits a third presidential term, though she acknowledged that the president is “having fun” with speculation about a possible return to office.
Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, served as a Republican senator from 2010 to 2025. He sought the party’s presidential nomination in 2016 but was defeated by Trump after a bruising primary contest. His name was floated as a potential vice presidential pick in 2024, but Vance ultimately secured the spot. After taking office, Trump appointed Rubio as secretary of state, making him the first Latino to hold the position.
International
Authorities search for armed and dangerous suspect in fatal Brown University attack
According to the statement, investigators are “seeking the public’s help to identify and speak with an individual” who was seen “near” the suspect at the time of the attack.
The Providence Police Department in Rhode Island released three photos of the person of interest, whose face has been blurred. In the images, the individual is wearing navy blue clothing, what appears to be a green hood, and carrying a light-colored backpack.
Earlier, authorities had released several photos and videos of a suspect described as “approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a stocky build,” dressed in dark clothing, with their face covered by a surgical mask and wearing a beanie. The suspect’s identity remains unknown.
Authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for any information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible for the killings, who is considered armed and dangerous.
The gunman opened fire on Saturday at Brown University’s engineering and physics building, where exams were being held, killing students Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov. The names of the nine people injured have not been released.
International
Police investigate deaths of Rob Reiner and wife as apparent homicide
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is investigating the deaths of Hollywood actor and filmmaker Rob Reinerand his wife as an “apparent homicide,” amid a wave of tributes to the director of classics such as When Harry Met Sally.
According to U.S. media reports on Sunday, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner were found dead at their Los Angeles mansion with what appeared to be stab wounds.
Several political figures shared messages of condolence following the reported deaths of the director of A Few Good Menand his wife.
While the LAPD did not officially confirm the identities of the victims, it stated that homicide detectives were dispatched to the Reiner residence.
“At this time, no additional details are available and the investigation into an apparent homicide is ongoing,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement posted on social media.
LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton told reporters that no arrests have been made and that no individuals are currently being questioned as suspects.
“I’m not going to confirm whether anyone is being questioned at this moment or not. We are going to try to speak with as many family members as we can,” Hamilton said.
CNN reported that a family spokesperson confirmed the deaths of Reiner and his wife.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, former U.S. President Barack Obama, and former Vice President Kamala Harrisissued statements expressing their condolences.
Rubio rules out 2028 presidential bid if Vance runs
Arrests and clashes in Tegucigalpa as vote count continues after Honduras election
Authorities search for armed and dangerous suspect in fatal Brown University attack
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
Central America3 days agoPanama seizes over three tons of drugs hidden in Caribbean port container
-
International2 days agoPolice investigate deaths of Rob Reiner and wife as apparent homicide
-
International4 days agoSeveral people shot in attack on Brown University campus
-
Central America2 days agoOAS urges swift recount in Honduras as election results remain uncertain
-
Central America1 day agoEl Salvador ranks among top countries in the Americas in fight against organized crime
-
Central America1 day agoBukele says AI partnership with xAI will transform public education in El Salvador
-
International4 days agoU.S. and Mexico Reach Deal to Address Water Deficit Under 1944 Treaty
-
Central America2 hours agoArrests and clashes in Tegucigalpa as vote count continues after Honduras election
-
International2 hours agoRubio rules out 2028 presidential bid if Vance runs
-
International2 hours agoAuthorities search for armed and dangerous suspect in fatal Brown University attack