Quito, March 8, 2023
The National Undersecretary for Health Surveillance, Prevention and Control, Francisco Pérez, reported that the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) maintains active epidemiological surveillance in cases of respiratory viruses, dengue, chikungunya, leptospirosis and methyl alcohol.
He specified that the previous week the first case of chikungunya in the province of Azuay was registered in Ecuador, corresponding to a person who traveled to Paraguay. “The person is stable at her home and since it is an imported case, it is not of epidemiological relevance. However, the MSP maintains all control measures for its treatment active.
In addition, he referred to the cases of poisoning with methyl alcohol, where he indicated that surveillance tasks are carried out in coordination with the National Agency for Sanitary Regulation, Control and Surveillance (ARCSA), Decentralized Autonomous Governments, Intendancy and MSP. At the moment, four cases originated during the last weekend, in the city of Santo Domingo, of which one person died and the rest are stable and under observation.
He also reported that due to flooding problems on the coast, there has been a rebound in dengue cases. In this epidemiological week, 2,958 cases were recorded, 125 with warning signs and 7 serious. This State portfolio carries out fumigations and abatement in the coastal region of the country.
Pérez mentioned that surveillance is maintained in sentinel hospitals that treat cases of influenza. “Seasonal behavior is maintained with Type B influenza, we are in the expected ranges for the date.
Additionally, at the moment 32 cases of leptospirosis are reported nationwide, a bacterial disease that is transmitted through broken skin submerged in dirty or stagnant water and through food contaminated with the urine of animals such as rats, dogs, cats, and cattle.
As preventive measures against leptospirosis, it is recommended: use rubber boots for activities that take place in flood sites, bathe with clean water after being exposed to stagnant water and use gloves and a mask when handling urine or animal excrement.
The MSP urges the entire population to maintain biosecurity measures, go to health centers in case of presenting symptoms such as fever, general malaise, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) and keep spaces clean to avoid possible infections.