Brazil’s President Says He Has Mold in Lungs
President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil said on Thursday that he felt weak and might have “mold in his lungs.” The President has spent weeks in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 on July 7. In a Facebook Live video, he said, “It must have been those 20 days inside the house, we catch other things. I’ve caught mold, mold in my lungs. It must be that.” Bolsonaro’s wife, Michelle, has also tested positive for COVID-19.
President Bolsonaro does not blame the virus for the mold in his lungs, claiming that he is cured of the coronavirus. “I’m healed from COVID,” said Bolsonaro. “I have antibodies, no problems. In my particular case, I first thank God, and secondly, the medication prescribed by the presidential doctor: hydroxychloroquine.” President Donald Trump has been a strong advocate for hydroxychloroquine but numerous studies have shown it to be ineffective and even harmful.
Blake is a writer focused on non-profits and trade industries. He has told the stories of countless peacebuilders while covering international development with the nonprofit Search for Common Ground. He is a graduate of the George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs.