Dengue News: Dengue Epidemic Grips Ecuador-Health Authorities Sound Alarm As Cases Surge
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 04, 2023 6 months, 3 weeks, 2 days, 7 hours, 10 minutes ago
Dengue News: Ecuador's health authorities are growing increasingly concerned as dengue infections resurge in the country, raising fears of a potential epidemic.
The Ministry of Public Health has identified alarming outbreaks in multiple provinces, with the province of Pichincha reporting its first dengue outbreak in the last few hours. In the midst of this alarming trend, Cotopaxi province has emerged as a hotspot, recording over 100 dengue infections in the past week alone, resulting in two tragic fatalities - a pregnant woman and a teenager. Christian Moreira, the district health director of La Mana in Cotopaxi, revealed that the area is currently grappling with a dengue virus outbreak, and the number of unreported cases is feared to be significantly higher.
Moreira underscored the grim timing of the outbreak, coinciding with the looming El Niño phenomenon. He expressed deep concern about the potential for increased dengue cases due to the expected rise in rainfall during the El Niño season. "Unfortunately, the outbreak is prior to the beginning of the El Niño phenomenon, which makes us fear that, with the presence of rains, this could increase," warned Moreira during a statement to various
Dengue News outlets.
The Ministry of Health's latest data paints a stark picture, with a total of 19,450 dengue fever cases registered nationwide - a staggering 40 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This alarming surge prompted the health agency to issue an epidemiological alert for the provinces of Manabí, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, and Esmeraldas on September 8.
A significant concern arising from the outbreak is the prevalence of specific dengue serotypes in Ecuador. Current research indicates that the main serotypes in circulation are DENV1, DENV2, and DENV3 serotypes, highlighting the complex nature of the virus's transmission.
Adding to the mounting crisis is the strain on the healthcare system. Hospitals across Ecuador are grappling with a surge in dengue infections, coupled with the ongoing battle against COVID-19 and a variety of respiratory infections. Reports are emerging of hospitals facing a shortage of essential medical equipment and supplies, including basic items such as saline drips, as they struggle to accommodate the growing number of patients.
In response to this dire situation, health authorities are intensifying preventive measures. These include large-scale fumigation efforts to control mosquito populations, which are the primary vectors for dengue transmission. Additionally, health officials are launching education campaigns to raise awareness among local residents about the critical importance of mosquito breeding prevention measures.
With the dengue outbreak spreading rapidly and threatening to escalate further, Ecuador's Ministry of Public Health is urging citizens to remain vigilant and take immediate steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Measures such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and eliminating stagnant water sources that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes are being strongly recommended.
As the nation grapples with the dual
challenges of dengue and COVID-19, Ecuador's health authorities are facing a daunting task to curb the spread of these infectious diseases and ensure the well-being of its citizens. Public awareness, community cooperation, and timely interventions will be critical in combating these health crises and preventing further loss of life.
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Dengue News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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