Peru: Regional Health Director Reports on Health Near Meteorite Crash Site

(LIP-ir) -- Jorge López Tejada, the Regional Health Director for Puno, Peru has discarded that anyone was seriously affected or has contracted any serious illness because of the object that landed in the town of Carancas on Saturday afternoon.

According to Peru's Andina News Agency, López Tejada stated that there were currently 100 to 150 people being seen for headaches, nausea, dizziness and vomiting at a local medical center.

"There aren't any serious cases, but the substance from the object could affect (the people) in the long term, that's why apart from these tests, it will be necessary to follow up the cases in the next few months," said López Tejada.

The Regional Health Director stated that not only would the people living closest to where the supposed meteorite landed be observed, but that people in the surrounding areas would also be tested for illnesses.

In addition, it was reported that a health brigade arrived with personnel and medication today. The Regional Director is also expecting the arrival of specialists from Lima and Arequipa who are to evaluate the site where it is thought that the meteorite landed.

López Tejada, who is currently in Carancas, has confirmed that there are very strong odors coming from the supposed meteorite crash site. He has stated that despite the fact that masks are being worn, the odor causes throat irritation and nose itchiness.

Andina News Agency reported that the seven police officers which were hospitalized after collecting samples from the thought-to-be meteorite site, are recovering now that they have been seen by doctors.