Chavez's Respiratory Problems Worsen

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's breathing problems have worsened and there is a new 'severe' infection, Associated Press reports.

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Opposition students protest demanding to know the real situation of President Hugo Chavez's health on Sunday.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- A new and severe respiratory infection has cancer-stricken President Hugo Chavez in a "very delicate" state, and his breathing has deteriorated, Venezuela's government announced late Monday.

Communications Minister Ernesto Villegas read a brief statement on national television saying Chavez's "worsening respiratory function" was tied to a weakening of his immune system.

The 58-year-old Chavez first revealed an unspecified cancer in the pelvic region in June 2011, and reported undergoing radiation treatment and chemotherapy after earlier operations. He underwent cancer surgery in Cuba on Dec. 11 and flew back to Caracas on Feb. 18.

Carlos Garcia Rawlins / Reuters

Hundreds of pro-opposition students and other critics of President Hugo Chavez's government marched in Caracas.

Carlos Garcia Rawlins / Reuters

Opposition supporters gesture and wave Venezuelan national flags as they attend a rally in Caracas.

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National Guard soldiers in riot gear form a line to block a protest march of opposition students demanding to know the real situation of President Hugo Chavez's health.

LEO RAMIREZ / Getty Images

National Guard personnel in riot gear charge on opposition students who protest demanding to know the real situation of President Hugo Chavez's health.