Venezuela has released new information on the medical status of President Hugo Chávez, raising concerns the leader’s health may be failing after a recent cancer surgery in Cuba. Ernesto Villegas, Venezuela’s minister of communication and information, made the remarks Thursday.

Ernesto Villegas: “After the delicate surgery of this past December 11, Comandante Chávez has faced complications as a result of a severe lung infection. This infection has caused a breathing insufficiency that requires Comandante Chávez to comply strictly with medical treatment.”