Watch CBS News

Hugo Chavez's Health In Question

CARACAS, Venezuela (CBSMiami.com) – Conflicting reports are coming out of the Venezuelan capital of Caracas Thursday as to the health of president Hugo Chavez.

According to El Nuevo Herald, unnamed sources told the paper that Chavez, who has been battling cancer, had been rushed to a military hospital.

But, Chavez called Venezuelan state television to deny rumors of a setback in his health. Chavez asked Venezuelans to pay no attention to the rumors and said, "I'm fine. I'm here in my place of work and working."

Chavez has been taking steroids and other medicines while he's undergoing chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Chavez said that he is working at "half throttle" while undergoing physical and medical therapy.

He finished a fourth round of chemotherapy in Cuba last week and says he is done with those treatments.

"I'm going to completely get out of this soon," Chavez said.

Chavez underwent surgery in Cuba in June to remove a tumor from his pelvic region.

He has not specified where the tumor was located. He has said previously that tests have shown no signs of a recurrence.

The president said his body has coped well with chemotherapy and assured Venezuelans he would keep them informed.

"I would be the first ... to communicate any difficulty in the process. None beyond the normal has come up," Chavez said.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.