Hugo Chavez Worsens: Reports Claim Venezuelan President's Health is Still in Decline, Update on Breathing, Still Not Dead

News of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's health might have squashed rumors of his death, but it appears to be just around the corner as an update on his condition predicts a grim ending. Chavez has not been seen in over three months and needs the aid of a tracheal tube in order to breathe. His people are hopeful, but have begun to consider his imminent death.

The 58-year-old Chavez checked into a Caracas military hospital after spending two months in Cuba for treatment. He underwent his fourth round of cancer procedures since June of 2011 while in Cuba. Just yesterday Information Minister Ernesto Villegas made a statement at the President's hospital, saying, "He has a new and severe infection," also adding that there was a "worsening of respiratory function." Villegas continued to say that Chavez is clinging "to Christ and life" while undergoing "intensive chemotherapy, as well as complementary treatments" and that his "condition continues to be very delicate."

Chavez has resided in his office since 1999 but due to his illness has not been sworn in to his new six-year term. The opposition has argued that the President is indeed dead and that the government is lying to its people. The current regime has stood strong in saying that Chavez is still alive but admittedly fading.

Mstarz recently reported on the health issues of Venezuela's President, saying:

The 58-year-old president had been struggling with cancer for a while and reports from Chavez's Vice President Nicolás Maduro admitted that the leader's health was not improving. Chavez was even too ill to attend his own inaugural celebration. However, it appears the report of Chavez's demise from Panamanian source Guillermo Cochez, was incorrect.

Maduro claims the president is "is battling there for his health, for his life, and we're accompanying him." 

(Cochez also reported last year that Chavez was brain-dead. Photos of the leader since this date have disproved the allegation.)